Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2344

Introduction: Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary tumors. Beyond their well-documented endocrine effects, these tumors are also associated with metabolic complications that warrant careful evaluation and management.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical study involving men diagnosed with prolactin-secreting adenomas and followed at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2023. Our focus was to evaluate the metabolic effects of hyperprolactinemia in these patients.

Results: In a population of 36 men, metabolic syndrome was identified in 27.8% of cases, with overweight reported in 36.11% and obesity in 32.84% of patients. The mean waist circumference (WC) was 100.67 ± 19.21 cm. Body mass index (BMI) was positively correlated with prolactin levels, although this did not reach statistical significance in our study (rho = 0.141, P = 0.410). However, no correlation was found between WC and prolactin levels. Regarding the metabolic effects of hyperprolactinemia, 7 patients (19.4%) were prediabetic, 3 patients (8.3%) were diabetic, and 20 patients (55.6%) presented with dyslipidemia, predominantly mixed dyslipidemia (25%). The mean total cholesterol (TC) level was 4.99 ± 1.61 mmol/l, with extremes ranging from 1.42 mmol/lto 8.8 mmol/L. Hypercholesterolemia was observed in 5 patients (13.9%). The mean LDL cholesterol level was 1.23 ± 0.49 g/l, with extremes ranging from 0.5 g/lto 2.49 g/l, and elevated LDL cholesterol was reported in 5 patients. The mean HDL cholesterol level was 1 ± 0.29 mmol/l, with extremes ranging from 0.41 mmol/lto 2.04 mmol/l, while low HDL cholesterol levels were observed in 2 patients. The mean triglyceride (TG) level was 1.90 ± 1.06 mmol/l, with extremes ranging from 0.5 mmol/lto 5.04 mmol/L. Hypertriglyceridemia was noted in 4 patients (11.1%). Our findings revealed positive correlations between prolactin levels and TC (rho = 0.186, P = 0.277), LDL cholesterol (rho = 0.258, P = 0.134), and triglycerides (rho = 0.022, P = 0.901). However, no relationship was identified between fasting blood glucose and prolactin levels in our cohort.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome represents a significant complication of prolactin-secreting adenomas in men. Its presence highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation and targeted management strategies to mitigate its impact on long-term health outcomes. Addressing these metabolic disturbances is essential for optimizing the overall care of patients with prolactinomas.