Longitudinal changes in body mass index in children with craniopharyngioma

We investigated the relationship of body mass index at presentation and pituitary status with long-term changes in BMI over a period of 5 years.

Craniopharyngioma patients (n = 25) attending a tertiary pediatric endocrine center were divided into three groups based on their BMI at presentation [BMI ≥ 2 standard deviation scores (SDS), 0-1.99 SDS, and <0 SDS) and then analyzed for trends of BMI over a period of up to 5 years.

Median (interquartile range) BMI SDS and hypopituitarism at presentation versus at the 5-year follow-up were as follows: BMI SDS ≥ 2 group (n = 10): 3.55 (0.68), 6/10 versus 3.76 (1.13), 8/10; BMI SDS 0-1.99 group (n = 11): 1.68 (1.05), 3/11 versus 1.64 (2.04), 7/11, and BMI SDS <0 group (n = 4): -0.23 (0.93), 2/4 versus 0.61, 4/4. At the 5-year follow-up, 10/10, 7/11, and 1/4 subjects when divided in groups according to BMI at presentation were obese.

Our data indicate that obesity at presentation, rather than panhypopituitarism either at or after presentation, predicts obesity 5 years after diagnosis. However, obesity at presentation is not always associated with the subsequent development of panhypopituitarism. Pediatric craniopharyngioma subjects who have BMI SDS ≥ 2 at presentation require early and aggressive intervention to help prevent the complications of obesity.