Increased levels of inflammatory markers and carotid intima-media thickness in asymptomatic patients with Sheehan syndrome without growth hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether inflammatory markers and carotid intima-media thickness are increased in patients with Sheehan syndrome.

Methods: This study included 37 patients diagnosed with Sheehan syndrome who met the eligibility criteria, along with 37 healthy controls matched for age, body mass index, and parity. All participants underwent a detailed clinical evaluation, along with measurement of biochemical and hormonal parameters, as well as inflammatory markers, specifically tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6. Both patients and controls were assessed for carotid intima-media thickness using a high-resolution color Doppler system.

Results: Patients with Sheehan syndrome had significantly higher mean levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, along with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with controls. They also exhibited higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (23.41 ± 10.97 pg/mL versus 20.05 ± 2.76 pg/mL; p = 0.041) and interleukin-6 (37.19 ± 5.38 pg/mL versus 32.08 ± 1.18 pg/mL; p = 0.004), as well as an increased mean carotid intima-media thickness value (0.71 ± 0.07 mm versus 0.59 ± 0.05 mm; p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with Sheehan syndrome exhibited risk factors that may elevate their likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.