The effect of treatment duration on metabolic parameters in patients with prolactinoma: A prospective longitudinal study

Background: Hyperprolactinemia is associated with changes in body composition and metabolic abnormalities. Normalization of prolactin (PRL) has been suggested to reverse these abnormalities. The present study was designed to determine the effect of treatment duration on metabolism as well as metabolic alterations after treatment in comparison with baseline in patients with prolactinoma in Iranian individuals. Methods: In a prospective and longitudinal study, 27 consecutive patients with prolactinoma were assessed during 6 months. Anthropometric data and metabolic variables were studied at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after normalization of PRL. Results: In the present study, there was a statistically significant decrease of metabolic syndrome (Met.S) after 3 months (P = 0.01), with a further decline after 6 months (P < 0.001) of cabergoline therapy. Moreover, a statistically significant decline was seen in total cholesterol (P = 0.007 and P = 0.01 after 3 and 6 months, respectively) and uric acid (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03 after 3 and 6 months, respectively) after normalization of the serum PRL. Conclusions: We found a significant reduction in Met.S after normalization of PRL level in patients with prolactinoma. We suggest that it is important to consider the metabolic profile of patients with prolactinoma. Then, patients may benefit even at 3 months after treatment.