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. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html