Premium
Predictors of anterior pituitary insufficiency after traumatic brain injury
Author(s) -
Schneider M.,
Schneider H. J.,
Yassouridis A.,
Saller B.,
Von Rosen F.,
Stalla G. K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.03020.x
Subject(s) - traumatic brain injury , medicine , endocrinology , anterior pituitary , pituitary gland , hormone , psychiatry
Summary Background Several studies have reported a high prevalence of hypopituitarism after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk stratification is a prerequisite for cost‐effective hormonal screening of these patients. However, it is still unclear which risk factors predispose patients to develop anterior hypopituitarism after TBI. Objective To assess clinical and radiological risk factors for post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Patients and methods Seventy‐eight consecutive patients (52 men, 26 women; mean age 36·0 years, range 18–65 years) with mild, moderate or severe TBI were studied. Endocrine and clinical parameters were assessed 3 and 12 months after TBI. Results We found diffuse axonal injury, basal skull fracture and older age to be major risk factors of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Conclusions We have defined specific risk factors for the development of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism that are consistent with pathophysiological considerations. These findings might help to identify at‐risk patients.