Incidence
Acromegaly is uncommon; only three to four cases are diagnosed per million people each year. It develops very gradually and may not be recognized until it has been present for many years. hyperpituitarism occurs equally among men and women. The mean age at diagnosis is about 40-60 years.
It is caused by prolonged, excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH). The most common cause of acromegaly is a benign tumour (adenoma) of the somatotroph cells, which produce growth hormone. These cells are within the anterior pituitary gland, located in the middle of the head just below the brain.
Nursing Diagnosis for Acromegaly / Gigantism
1. Disturbed body image related to enlargement of body parts as manifested by enlarged hands, feet and jaw.
2. Disturbed sensory perception related to enlarged pituitary gland as manifested by protrusion of eye balls .
3. Fluid volume deficit related to polyuria as manifested by excessive thirst of the patient.
4. Disturbed sleeping pattern related to soft tissue swelling as manifested by verbalization of the patient about insomnia.
5. Anxiety related to change in appearance and treatment as manifested by verbalization of the patient about body appearance.
6. Ineffective coping related to change in appearance as manifested by verbalization of negative feeling about the change in appearance.
7. Knowledge deficit regarding development of disease and treatment as manifested by repeated questions by the patient regarding disease and treatment.
Source : http://studynursing.blogspot.in/search/label/Endocrine%20System