Galactorrhea and amenorrhea in burn patients.
BACKGROUND
Galactorrhea and/or amenorrhea, although uncommonly reported in post-burn patients, is a complex problem to treat. Patient is reluctant to volunteer history of these symptoms, unless asked specifically.


OBJECTIVE
To study profile of adult female patients with galactorrhea and/or amenorrhea in post burn period.


METHODS
A prospective study of all adult female patients presenting with or detected to have galactorrhea and/or amenorrhea in post burn period was conducted over 6 month's period. Detailed clinical examination, estimation of LH, FSH, Prolactin levels and X-ray of skull was done in all patients. The data collected was analyzed. Patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea were treated with Bromocriptine for 3 weeks to 3 months. In all patients with amenorrhea, pregnancy was ruled out by gynecological examination and urine pregnancy test.


RESULTS
During this period, 30 patients (15.15%) were detected to have galactorrhea and/or amenorrhoea. The extent of burn in these patients was 20-65%of body surface area. Out of 30 patients, 5 had galactorrhea and amenorrhea, 1 galactorrhea alone and 24 had amenorrhea alone. Analysis of voluntary disclosures and detection on interrogation was done. Till the end of study, 4 patients with galactorrhea had complete relief, 2 patients reported reduction in discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Galactorrhea was distressing for all and was always associated with high prolactine levels .The reverse was not true. All the patients had chest burns besides other body areas. Association was noted between menstrual aberration and ovulatory phase at the time of burn.


CONCLUSIONS
Galactorrhea and menstrual disturbances do exist in female patients in reproductive age group in post burn period and patients should be especially interrogated for these symptoms by the burn care providers.
Goyal
Navin
N
Department of General Surgery, LTM Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India. drnavingoyal@yahoo.co.in
Gore
Madhuri A
MA
Shankar
Ravi
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone