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Drug-induced hypopituitarism
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Drug-induced hypopituitarism
Summary
- Drug-induced hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland's function is impaired due to the adverse effects of certain medications. This can lead to various hormonal imbalances affecting several bodily functions.
Causes
- The condition is primarily caused by medications that impact pituitary hormone production or secretion, such as glucocorticoids, chemotherapeutic agents, and immunosuppressive drugs.
Risk Factors
- Prolonged use of certain medications, especially high-dose corticosteroids.
- Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or extensive treatment with immunosuppressants.
- Pre-existing health conditions requiring long-term pharmaceutical interventions.
Symptoms
- Symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and diminished sex drive due to insufficient hormonal levels.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis typically involves hormone level blood tests, MRI scans of the pituitary gland, and a detailed patient medication history.
Treatment Options
- Treatment may include discontinuing the causative medication or switching to an alternative.
Hormone replacement therapy is often necessary to compensate for the reduced production of pituitary hormones.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
The prognosis can vary depending on the ability to modify the use of the inducing drug and the overall health of the patient. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor hormone levels and adjust treatments.
Complications
- If left untreated, it can lead to more severe hormonal deficiencies, impacting critical functions like metabolism, stress response, and sexual function.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoiding or minimizing exposure to drugs known to affect pituitary function can prevent the condition.
- Regular monitoring for those on high-risk medications is essential for early detection and management.
When to Seek Professional Help
- If experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or significant changes in weight or blood pressure, medical advice should be sought promptly.
Additional Resources
- Endocrine Society: www.endocrine.org
- Hormone Health Network: www.hormone.org
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): www.nih.gov
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the prescribing drug is documented as the cause when coding drug-induced hypopituitarism.
- Verify with the patient's medication history to avoid errors.
- E23.1 should be used specifically for cases where the link to medication is evident, even if the particular drug is not identified.