Abstract
This chapter discusses dysfunctions of the pituitary gland. Hypopituitarism is mentioned to be a condition clinically presented with one or more hormone deficiencies from the adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis or both. The etiology of this disease is attributed to several factors including head injury, neurosurgical complications, infiltrative disorders and cranial radiotherapy. The clinical presentation of pituitary hormone deficiency in neonates may be an acute adrenal crisis or may be insidious in children resulting in poor growth. The genetic pathophysiology of the disease is elaborated and it states that mutations in specific transcription factors can disrupt the balanced orchestration of pituitary development and ultimately the expression and function of the different pituitary cell types. The diagnosis, genetic testing and interpretation are further discussed and treatment for hypopituitarism, regardless of the etiology is mentioned to be hormone replacement therapy and the mode of delivery includes oral, injectable or topical. The advancements of genetic manipulation and the abilities to target specific developmental factors are considered to further elucidate the complexities of pituitary development and explain the pathology of this disease.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Genetic Diagnosis of Endocrine Disorders |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 75-83+326 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123744302 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Combined pituitary hormone deficiency
- Hypopituitarism
- Pituitary development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Dentistry
- General Medicine