Abstract

LONG TERM RESPONSE TO CABERGOLINE THERAPY IN PAKISTANI POPULATION WITH PROLACTINOMA BASED ON PROLACTIN NORMALIZATION AND TUMOR SIZE

Syed Zakir Shah*, Osama Ishtiaq, Umar Yousaf Raja, Tejhmal Rehman, Aimal Khan and Matiullah Khan

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Abstract

Introduction: Prolactinomas are the most common functional pituitary tumour. Prolactinomas constitute 40%- 60% of all pituitary tumours. This study will evaluate the response of long term cabergoline therapy in prolactinoma patients. The aim of this Pakistani study is to evaluate the outcomes of cabergoline therapy in Pakistani population with prolactinoma based on prolactin normalization and tumor size. Methodology: This was a retrospective non-interventional study conducted in the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Inclusion Criteria was applied Prolactinoma patients, both male and female patients, patient’s age from 16 to 80 years. Results: Majority of the patients had shown reduced levels and normalization levels of prolactin levels (p value: 0.011) and reduction to disappearance of tumor size (p value: 0.027). Mean baseline prolactin was 144.32, 1154.13 and 3254.88 ng/ml in microprolactinoma, macroprolactinoma and giant prolactinomas respectively. Discussion: Apart from shrinkage of tumor size and normalization of prolactin levels, visual defects and headaches were resolved. In men, the problem of erectile dysfunction was resolved to a certain extent. Women with menstrual irregularities were seen to achieve normal menstruation and showed high levels of fertility as well. Conclusion: Present study data demonstrates that cabergoline treatment is an effective and safe option in both genders.

Keywords: Prolactinomas, Cabergoline therapy, Microprolactinoma, Macroprolactinoma, Giant prolactinoma.