A patient with panhypopituitarism will have a deficiency in several pituitary hormones that may affect the body's water balance.
Hypothyroidism and/or hypoaldrenalism may reduce the kidney's ability to excrete water, resulting in water retention and hyponatremia.
In a patient with panhypopituitarism:
(1) It is important to identify all deficiencies.
(2) It is important to maintain replacement therapy for all hormone deficiencies (vasopressin with diabetes insipidus, thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism, hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency).
Fluid and electrolyte problems can arise if:
(1) no or inadequate replacement therapy is given
(2) replacement therapy is given for some deficiencies but not others
Diagnosis of deficiencies, adequate replacement and adherence to therapy all important for successful management.
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