This paper is going to cover Acromegaly. It is going to discuss the pathophysiology, causes, complications, nursing care, interventions, and treatment. It will also discuss early and late signs and symptoms to look for that your body is undergoing some physiological changes. If left untreated, it can result in major health problems.
Pathophysiology
Acromegaly is a rare excessive production of the growth hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland. It usually effects adults in their 30s and 40s. If excessive growth hormone is present in children, the condition is called gigantism. Bones tend to increase in size, effecting facial features, hands, and feet. The long bones will grow in width, but not in length because after puberty stops, the epiphyseal disks are closed. The subcutaneous tissue increases and stretches, causing a fleshy appearance. The pancreas is working harder to keep up with producing blood glucose to try and suppress the growth hormone secretions. (Williams & Hopper, 2015).
Causes
“The cause of acromegaly could be a pituitary hyperplasia which is a benign pituitary tumor” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). Another cause …show more content…
“Bromocriptine is a pill that can lower GH. Pegvisomant blocks the effect of GH on receptor sites” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). Hypophysectomy or radiation can be used if a tumor is the cause. “If the pituitary gland is removed, lifelong replacement of thyroid hormone, corticosteroids, and sex hormones is important to maintain homeostasis” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). “The hypophysectomy procedure is usually done using minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, via the nose or a small incision just under the upper lip. This allows you to remove the pituitary gland without disturbing the brain tissue” (Williams & Hopper,
Pathophysiology
Acromegaly is a rare excessive production of the growth hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland. It usually effects adults in their 30s and 40s. If excessive growth hormone is present in children, the condition is called gigantism. Bones tend to increase in size, effecting facial features, hands, and feet. The long bones will grow in width, but not in length because after puberty stops, the epiphyseal disks are closed. The subcutaneous tissue increases and stretches, causing a fleshy appearance. The pancreas is working harder to keep up with producing blood glucose to try and suppress the growth hormone secretions. (Williams & Hopper, 2015).
Causes
“The cause of acromegaly could be a pituitary hyperplasia which is a benign pituitary tumor” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). Another cause …show more content…
“Bromocriptine is a pill that can lower GH. Pegvisomant blocks the effect of GH on receptor sites” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). Hypophysectomy or radiation can be used if a tumor is the cause. “If the pituitary gland is removed, lifelong replacement of thyroid hormone, corticosteroids, and sex hormones is important to maintain homeostasis” (Williams & Hopper, 2015). “The hypophysectomy procedure is usually done using minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, via the nose or a small incision just under the upper lip. This allows you to remove the pituitary gland without disturbing the brain tissue” (Williams & Hopper,