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Published on: August 30, 2020
Neuroendocrine changes after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Zuleyha Karaca1, Aysa Hacioglu2, Fahrettin Kelestimur3
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Erciyes University Medical School, Kayseri, Turkey. zuleyha@erciyes.edu.tr.
This review explores hormonal changes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). It highlights that pituitary dysfunction is common but often underdiagnosed. Growth hormone deficiency is most frequently reported, followed by deficiencies in other hormones. The condition may improve over time, but new deficiencies can emerge later. No clear clinical markers predict hypopituitarism, and age and surgery are risk factors. The authors suggest that screening is important despite diagnostic limitations. They recommend hormone replacement for certain deficiencies but emphasize individualized treatment for others. The review underscores the need for better diagnostic methods to avoid missed diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology in clinical neuroscience
- Critical care outcomes research in neurology
Background:
Neuroendocrine changes remain poorly understood after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. While prior research has shown high prevalence of pituitary dysfunction in critical care settings, the specific impact on long-term recovery remains unclear. Established knowledge includes the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in stress responses, but this paper's contribution lies in examining how these mechanisms change post-aSAH. The lack of standardized diagnostic criteria creates uncertainty in prevalence estimates. No clear predictive factors for hypopituitarism have been identified in prior studies. The absence of a gold standard test complicates follow-up protocols. This gap motivated a systematic review of diagnostic and management approaches. The authors emphasize the need for better screening despite diagnostic limitations.
Purpose Of The Study:
This review aims to clarify the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The specific problem addressed is the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria and management strategies. The motivation stems from the potential impact on patient outcomes like cognition and quality of life. The authors propose to synthesize current evidence on diagnostic methods and treatment approaches. No prior work has fully resolved the variability in prevalence rates. The study seeks to highlight the importance of early screening despite diagnostic limitations. The goal is to inform clinical practice regarding hormone replacement therapy. The authors aim to identify risk factors and management guidelines.
Main Methods:
The researchers conducted a literature review focusing on neuroendocrine changes after aSAH. They analyzed studies on epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management strategies. Diagnostic methods varied across included studies, affecting prevalence estimates. The review included analysis of growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiencies. The authors assessed the impact of hypopituitarism on patient outcomes. No single diagnostic test was universally adopted in the reviewed literature. The review considered risk factors like patient age and surgical interventions. The authors synthesized findings on the necessity of hormone replacement therapy.
Main Results:
Growth hormone deficiency was most frequently reported post-aSAH. Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency followed in prevalence rates. Thyroid stimulating hormone and gonadotropin deficiencies were also observed. Deficiencies may improve over time but new ones can emerge in the chronic phase. Age and surgical procedures were identified as risk factors for hypopituitarism. No clinical parameters reliably predict hypopituitarism after aSAH. The effect of pituitary dysfunction on patient outcomes remains unclear. The authors propose that screening is necessary despite diagnostic limitations.
Conclusions:
The authors suggest that pituitary dysfunction is common after aSAH but remains underdiagnosed. They propose that growth hormone deficiency is the most frequently reported deficiency. The authors suggest that hypopituitarism may improve over time but new deficiencies can occur. The authors emphasize the importance of screening despite diagnostic limitations. The authors suggest that replacement therapy for hypocortisolemia and hypothyroidism is essential. The authors propose that treatment of other hormonal insufficiencies should be individualized. The authors suggest that missed diagnosis may lead to untoward consequences. The authors suggest that further research is needed to clarify the impact on patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Growth hormone deficiency is most frequently reported following aSAH.
Missed diagnosis may lead to untoward consequences, so screening is necessary despite diagnostic limitations.
Yes, new onset deficiencies in the chronic phase may also occur.
There are no gold standard evaluation tests or cut-off values for follow-up.
Age of the patient and surgical procedures are risk factors for hypopituitarism.
The authors propose that replacement of hypocortisolemia is essential.
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Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Neural Regulation

