Effects of endosulfan intoxication on pituitary functions.

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.