Effects of silent pituitary adenomas on pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Silent pituitary adenomas (SPAs) are a group of hormonally inactive adenomas. The patients do not show clinical signs and symptoms of excess hormones; however, fertility is usually affected in women. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of SPAs on pregnancy. Methods: Thirty patients with SPAs aged between 18 and 65 years without hormone deficiency or excess were included in the study. We retrospectively evaluated anterior pituitary hormone levels, follow-up periods, pituitary imaging findings, symptoms associated with adenoma size increase during pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, , delivery procedures, pregnancy week at delivery, birth weight, and lactation duration. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.26 ± 9.06 years, and the mean duration after diagnosis was 92.8 months. Of the 30 patients, 7 had macroadenomas, and 23 had microadenomas. The 30 patients had a history of 92 pregnancies, including 12 elective abortions. The incidence of nausea-vomiting and visual impairment during pregnancy were more common in the macroadenoma group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.042, respectively). Spontaneous pregnancy rates were found to be high, and no negative effects of SPAs on fertility were observed. The patients with SPAs did not have an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications compared to the general population, and there were no obvious negative effects on fetal development or lactation. SPAs were not associated with an increased cesarean section rate. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SPAs have no negative effects on pregnancy outcomes, fetal development, or lactation.