Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Sheehan syndrome represents a rare cause of hypopituitarism. It results from postpartum ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland. Data evaluating the quality of life in women with Sheehan syndrome are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life in patients with Sheehan syndrome and to determine its associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including women with Sheehan syndrome was conducted in the department of endocrinology, La Rabta hospital. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Survey-36 (SF-36). Predefined thresholds were used to categorize patients’ quality of life: SF-36 overall score < 30: poor quality of life, 30-60: average quality of life, and > 60: good quality of life.

Results: Forty-two women with Sheehan syndrome were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 61.9 ± 9.6 years. The mean duration and the mean delay in diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome were 31.5 ± 10.2 and 11.8 ± 9.3 years, respectively. All participants had corticotroph, thyrotropin, gonadotropin, and prolactin deficiencies. The overall quality of life score was 50.9 ± 15.2. The averages of role limitation due to physical health, vitality, emotional well-being, bodily pain, and general health scores were below 50. The quality of life was good in 11 patients (26%), average in 27 patients (64%), and poor in 4 patients (10%). Role limitation due to physical health score was negatively correlated with age (r=- 0.326, P=0.04) and the disease duration (r=-0.423, P=0.006). General health score (r=0.354, P=0.027) and vitality score (r=0.365, P=0.022) were correlated with the daily dose of hydrocortisone.

Conclusion: The majority of women with Sheehan syndrome had average to poor quality of life. The most affected dimensions were role limitation due to physical health, vitality, emotional well-being, bodily pain, and general health. Age, disease duration, and the daily dose of hydrocortisone may affect the quality of life in women with Sheehan syndrome.