Abstract
Background: Macroprolactinemia is a frequent cause of misdiagnosis and mismanagement of patients
with elevated prolactin levels. Its pathogenesis and clinical significance are still
controversial.
Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between elevated macroprolactin
content and vitamin D status. The study population included 20 premenopausal women
with isolated macroprolactinemia, 10 of whom were later treated with vitamin D (2 000 IU
daily). Serum prolactin, macroprolactin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and PTH levels were assessed
at baseline and after 4 months of treatment.
Results: Compared with the control age- and weight-women with normal prolactin levels (n=11),
patients with macroprolactinemia were characterized by lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin
D and slightly higher levels of PTH. Vitamin D administered to patients with macroprolactinemia
increased 25-hydroxyvitamin, reduced total prolactin and macroprolactin, as well tended
to reduce PTH. The effect of vitamin D on total prolactin and macroprolactin correlated
with their baseline values and baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Conclusions: The results of our study suggest the association between vitamin D status and elevated
macroprolactin levels in premenopausal women.
Key words
vitamin D - hyperprolactinemia - macroprolactinemia - polyethylene glycol assay