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Investigation of pituitary functions in patients with acute meningitis: a pilot study

F Tanriverdi1, E Alp, H Demiraslan

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Erciyes University Medical School, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|July 2, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pituitary dysfunction, specifically growth hormone (GH) deficiency, can occur long-term after acute meningitis. This study found GH deficiency in 28.6% of patients, suggesting it may be a more common complication than previously thought.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Long-term pituitary consequences of tuberculous meningitis are known.
  • Pituitary dysfunction following acute bacterial or viral meningitis is less documented.
  • This study investigates anterior pituitary function after acute meningitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess pituitary functions in adult patients after acute bacterial or viral meningitis.
  • To determine the prevalence of pituitary dysfunction as a sequela of acute meningitis.
  • To investigate the long-term effects of meningitis on anterior pituitary function.

Main Methods:

  • 14 adult patients (8 men, 6 women) with confirmed acute bacterial or viral meningitis were included.
  • Pituitary functions were evaluated 6–48 months post-meningitis.
  • Growth hormone (GH) deficiency was assessed using the GHRH+arginine stimulation test.

Main Results:

  • Four out of 14 patients (28.6%) exhibited isolated GH deficiency.
  • GH deficiency was observed between 6 and 48 months after meningitis diagnosis.
  • Pituitary MRI scans were normal in GH-deficient patients, despite evidence of dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first systematic study on long-term anterior pituitary function after acute meningitis.
  • Pituitary dysfunction may be a more frequent complication of acute bacterial or viral meningitis than previously reported.
  • Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm the prevalence of meningitis-induced hypopituitarism.

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