Effects of endosulfan intoxication on pituitary functions

Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2012 Jun;50(5):441-3. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2012.676647. Epub 2012 Apr 3.

Abstract

Context: We investigated the effects of endosulfan intoxication on pituitary functions in three patients.

Methods: This is an observational case series including three patients with endosulfan intoxication. Patients were evaluated 3 months after the acute event.

Results: Based on the baseline hormonal values and dynamic endocrine tests, one patient had hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis impairment and was diagnosed as ACTH deficiency (peak cortisol level was found 13.12 μg/dl after low dose ACTH stimulation test), and another one had GH-IGF-I axis impairment and was diagnosed as GH deficiency (peak GH level was found 1.06 μg/L after glucagon stimulation test).

Conclusions: Endosulfan intoxication might cause pituitary hormone deficiencies after the acute phase. Therefore, patients with endosulfan toxicity should be followed for possible pituitary gland dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / chemically induced
  • Adult
  • Endosulfan / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / deficiency
  • Growth Hormone / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects*
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / pathology
  • Insecticides / poisoning
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / drug effects
  • Pituitary Function Tests
  • Pituitary Gland / drug effects*
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / pathology

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Growth Hormone
  • Endosulfan

Supplementary concepts

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency