Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Pituitary dysfunction and its association with quality of life in traumatic brain injury
Giulia Izzo1, Assunta Tirelli2, Elisabetta Angrisani3
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.
Background:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability and may cause transient or persistent, isolated or multiple hypopituitarism in a variable percentage of cases.
Objectives:
The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of isolated and multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency in subjects with TBI in a single institution. The secondary aim was to determine a correlation between pituitary deficiency and quality of life (QOL) after TBI.
Methods:
Thirty-five patients, aged between 18 and 63 years, were evaluated 6months to 5 years after TBI. We evaluated the QOL by SF-12(®) questionnaire and measured serum basal GH, IGF1, LH, FSH, testosterone (in males), 17-β-estradiol (in women), PRL, fT4 and TSH. In patients with low IGF1, a GHRH + Arginine test was performed.
Results:
Single or multiple pituitary failure was found in 13 patients (37%). Low testosterone was found in 7 males, low FSH and/or LH in 4, low IGF1 in 7 patients. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and GH insufficiency assessed by GHRH + Arginine test were found respectively in 3 and 2 patients. One patient displayed a concomitant GH insufficiency and low TSH level. Twenty six patients showed a reduction in QOL. A correlations between altered QOL and hormonal deficiency was not observed.
Conclusions:
Isolated or multiple hypopituitarism resulting from TBI are frequent. Alterations in QOL and pituitary function resulting from TBI are not associated.
