Hyperprolactinaemia in a patient with kidney failure

Amirah Parak; Reyna Daya; Saajidah Bulbulia; Faheem Seedat; Zaheer Bayat

doi:10.21804/23-1-4266

Amirah Parak University of the Witwatersrand http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7464-8860
Reyna Daya http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2395-2613
Saajidah Bulbulia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3797-8868
Faheem Seedat http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1352-6015
Zaheer Bayat http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0946-5934

Abstract

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common endocrine abnormality in patients with kidney failure. A 43-year-old female, known with kidney failure on maintenance haemodialysis, was referred with symptomatic hyperprolactinaemia. Biochemical investigations revealed a markedly elevated serum prolactin level. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (without gadolinium) demonstrated a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient was started on cabergoline therapy. This case discusses hyperprolactinaemia in kidney failure and highlights the importance of investigating markedly elevated prolactin levels. In cases where patients have galactorrhoea, headaches and/or visual disturbances, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour.

Author Biography

Amirah Parak, University of the Witwatersrand

Medical Registrar

Internal Medicine