SHEEHAN SYNDROME - AN ANALYSIS OF POSSIBLE ETIOLOGIC FACTORS

Clinical features and obstetric care factors of aetiological importanc e were analyzed in 12 cases of Sheehan syndrome seen during the years 1992-1993. Eight patients were from urban areas. Eight of them were mu ltiparas. Half of the patients had had hospital deliveries. The averag e duration between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 5 years. Pa tients were misdiagnosed as having general debility, hypothyroidism or unexplained amenorrhoea. Amenorrhoea, lactation failure, loss of body hair and signs and symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism were present in most cases. Sheehan syndrome could be diagnosed on clinical ground s in our patients. We recommend that all women with peripartum complic ations should be followed in a postpartum clinic for early evidence of hypopituitarism.