SHEEHAN SYNDROME: A RARE COMPLICATION OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE
Life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage is uncommon as a result of the
advances in obstetric care.
J Am Board Fam Pract 14(5):389-391, 2001
http://womenshealth.medscape.com/44487.rhtml?srcmp=wh-110201


Discussion
Sheehan syndrome, or necrosis of the pituitary gland, is a rare
complication of postpartum hemorrhage initially described in 1937......
The pituitary gland is physiologically enlarged in pregnancy and is
therefore very sensitive to the decreased blood flow caused by massive
hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock. Women with Sheehan syndrome have
varying degrees of hypopituitarism, ranging from panhypopituitarism to
only selective pituitary deficiencies.[2-4] The anterior pituitary is
more susceptible to damage than the posterior pituitary.
Failure to lactate or difficulties with lactation are common initial
symptoms of Sheehan syndrome.

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