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

## TL;DR

Patients with Sheehan syndrome show higher inflammation and thicker carotid walls, suggesting increased heart disease risk.

## Contribution

This study is the first to report elevated inflammatory markers and carotid intima-media thickness in Sheehan syndrome patients.

## Key findings

- Sheehan syndrome patients had higher TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels compared to controls.
- Carotid intima-media thickness was significantly increased in Sheehan syndrome patients.
- Patients showed unfavorable lipid profiles linked to atherosclerosis risk.

## Abstract

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

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.

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).

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