Endocrine System and Pituitary Disorders

Endocrine System

• The endocrine system functions by secreting and transporting hormones to target tissues.
• This system works closely with the central nervous system (CNS), particularly with the hypothalamus.
• It controls and regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism, fluid balance, energy production, and growth.
• Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate through the body from glands.
• Hormones exert a local affect on one target tissue or a broad affect on multiple organs.
• They have physiological effects on cells and organs.

Pituitary Disorders

• Pituitary function disorders can arise from organic or idiopathic causes.
• These disorders can involve a single hormone or a combination of hormones.
• Clinical manifestations depend on the hormones affected.
• Disorders can include hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary) and pituitary hyperfunction (overactive pituitary), affecting various bodily functions.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

• Also known as hypopituitarism or dwarfism.
• Growth hormone (GH) is released throughout the day, with most secretion occurring during sleep.
• GH deficiency results from a failure of the anterior pituitary or hypothalamic stimulation.
• Clinical manifestations in children may include starting with a normal birth weight and length but falling below the 3rd percentile on growth charts within a few years.
• Children may appear overweight or obese, have a high-pitched voice, crowded or malpositioned teeth, and other growth-related deficits.
• Diagnostic investigations include hormone level tests, blood tests, and other assessments.
• Treatment involves correcting underlying disease and GH replacement therapy.

Pituitary Hyperfunction

• An extremely rare condition resulting from excessive GH secretion, leading to growth rates exceeding the 97th percentile.
• Conditions like acromegaly and gigantism result from excessive GH.
• A tumor of the anterior pituitary is a common cause.
• Clinical manifestations include overgrowth of the head, lips, nose, tongue, jaw, and sinuses.
• Separation and malocclusion of teeth, increased facial hair, thickened and creased skin, and a tendency towards hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus are also observed.
• Treatments include surgery for lesions, external irradiation, radioactive implants, and somatostatin analogs.

Thyroid Disorders

• The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) and calcitonin.
• Thyroid hormone is essential for growth, development, and metabolism.
• Thyroid abnormalities can cause Congenital or Acquired Hypothyroidism.
• Acquired Hypothyroidism may involve inflammation or antibody attacks, often appearing as Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease). Both are frequent causes of hypothyroidism in children and adolescents.
• Common clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism include skin changes (dry skin, puffy eyes), sparse hair, constipation, sleepiness, fatigue, weight gain, and intolerance to cold.
• Diagnosis involves serum T3, T4, and TSH testing.
• Treatment focuses on thyroid hormone replacement therapy using levothyroxine.

Test your knowledge on the endocrine system, its functions, and the disorders associated with the pituitary gland. This quiz covers hormones, their physiological effects, and specific disorders like hypopituitarism and hyperfunction. Enhance your understanding of how hormonal imbalances can affect bodily functions.