Faculty Collaboration Database

Endocrine changes after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Pituitary 2012 Sep;15(3):267-75

Date

11/08/2011

Pubmed ID

22057966

DOI

10.1007/s11102-011-0360-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84867395998 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   40 Citations

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very common occurrence in childhood, and can lead to devastating long term consequences. Recent research has focused on the potential endocrine consequences of TBI in adults. The research in children is less robust. This paper reviews current literature regarding TBI and possible hypothalamic and pituitary deficiencies in childhood. Acute endocrine changes are commonly found after TBI in pediatric patients, which can include changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and antidiuretic hormone production and release. In the long term, both temporary and permanent alterations in pituitary function have been found. About 30% of children have hypopituitarism up to 5 years after injury. Growth hormone deficiency and disturbances in puberty are the most common, but children can also experience ACTH deficiency, diabetes insipidus, central hypothyroidism, and elevated prolactin. Every hormonal axis can be affected after TBI in children, although growth hormone deficiency and alterations in puberty are the most common. Because transient and permanent hypopituitarism is common after TBI, survivors should be screened serially for possible endocrine disturbances. These children should undergo routine surveillance at least 1 year after injury to ensure early detection of deficiencies in hormonal production in order to permit normal growth and development.

Author List

Rose SR, Auble BA

Author

Bethany Auble MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adult
Brain Injuries
Child, Preschool
Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic
Endocrine System Diseases
Female
Humans
Hyperprolactinemia
Hypopituitarism
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
Infant
Male
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary-Adrenal System