title: Effects of intrathecal opioid administration on pituitary function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a case of panhypopituitarism in a patient receiving long-term intrathecal opioids.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a case study and review of current medical literature. There is a 7-year follow-up time.
  
  
  METHODS
  One adult male clinic patient with pituitary dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intrathecal opioids may lead to pituitary dysfunction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intrathecal opioid pain management may produce some generalized effects, as well as pituitary hypofunction, as evidenced by this case. This patient experienced simultaneous suppression of multiple anterior pituitary hormones, which persisted with chronic oral opioid therapy following cessation of an intrathecal opioid pump.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All hypothalamic pituitary axes, seem potentially vulnerable to therapy with intrathecal opioids. When patients are receiving these medications, symptoms need to be critically evaluated with appropriate laboratory assessments for suspected pituitary dysfunction. Further studies are required in order to create formal recommendations for routine patient surveillance during intrathecal opioid therapy.
authors.affiliation: PGY-3, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankfort, Illinois.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xenidis
authors.forename: Naushira
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pandya
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hames
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D060186:Infusions, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine
keywords: Chronic Pain; Opioids