Acromegaly is produced by over secretion of?

Appeared in: VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Explanation

Acromegaly is a condition caused by the excessive production of Growth Hormone (GH), also known as Somatotropin.
This hormonal excess typically originates from a benign tumor (adenoma) of the somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland.
In adults, after the fusion of epiphyseal growth plates, high GH levels lead to the enlargement of bones in the hands, feet, and face, along with soft tissue swelling.
The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating elevated levels of GH and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and the failure of GH to suppress after an oral glucose load.

Option B: Over-secretion of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland causes Cushing's disease, not acromegaly.
Option C: Excessive secretion of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) leads to hyperthyroidism.
Option D: Over-secretion of Prolactin results in a condition called hyperprolactinemia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Acromegaly as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing for the subtle, slow-progressing signs of acromegaly, such as a patient reporting that their rings, shoes, or gloves no longer fit.
Early detection is crucial as untreated acromegaly significantly increases mortality due to cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular complications, and increases the risk for colon cancer.
Post-operative care for transsphenoidal surgery (tumor removal) involves monitoring for CSF leaks, signs of infection, and hormone imbalances like diabetes insipidus.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Acromegaly'.
Access your knowledge of the endocrine system, specifically the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Recall the function of Growth Hormone (Somatotropin) and the consequences of its over-secretion.
Differentiate between the effects of excess GH in childhood (Gigantism) and adulthood (Acromegaly).
Evaluate the other options (ACTH, TSH, Prolactin) and recall the distinct conditions caused by their over-secretion to confirm they are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1070-1072

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 912-914

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 25-27

Practise the full VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.