Long-term hepatic and cardiac health in patients diagnosed with Sheehan’s syndrome

Purpose Sheehan’s syndrome (SS) is characterised by chronic pituitary insufficiency following a vascular insult to the pituitary in the peripartum period. There is a lack of substantial evidence on the long-term hepatic and cardiac consequences in these patients, following hormone replacement. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of SS were recruited for the study. Detailed clinico-biochemical and radiological evaluation were performed in all patients (n = 60). Hepatic and cardiac complications were assessed using fibroscan and echocardiography (2D speckle-tracking) respectively, in a subset of patients (n = 29) as well as age-and BMI-matched controls (n = 26). Controlled attenuation parameter (for steatosis) and liver stiffness measurement (for fibrosis) were used to define non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Diastolic cardiac function was evaluated using standard criteria and systolic function by ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results The mean age of the cohort was 42.7 ± 11.6 years. Multiple (≥ 2) hormone deficiencies were present in 68.8% of patients, with hypothyroidism (91.4%), hypocortisolism (88.3%), and growth hormone (GH) deficiency (85.7%) being the most common. At a mean follow-up of 9.8 ± 6.8 years, NAFLD was present in 63% of patients, with 51% having severe steatosis, which was predicted by the presence of GH deficiency and higher body mass index. Though the ejection fraction was similar, increased left ventricular GLS (18.8 vs. 7.7%) was present in a significantly higher number of patients versus controls. Conclusion NAFLD, especially severe hepatic steatosis, is highly prevalent in SS. Subclinical cardiac systolic dysfunction (impaired GLS) is also more common, but of mild intensity.