Paediatric Pituitary Adenomas: Clinical Presentation, Biochemical Profile and Long-Term Prognosis

Paediatric pituitary adenomas (PPAs) are uncommon, with evidence confined to small cohorts.

We aimed to elucidate the baseline profile and outcomes of PPAs in a large, contemporary, monocentric cohort.

Pituitary clinic at PGIMER over 8 years (2010-2018).

PPAs in patients (≤20 years at diagnosis) were included. A retrospective review of their baseline clinico-biochemical and radiological profiles and outcomes post pituitary surgery/medical management was performed.

There were a total of 74 patients, of which 42 were female. The median age was 15 (IQR 13-18) years. Corticotropinomas (32.4%) and somatotropinomas (25.7%) were common, with 1 case of TSHoma and pituitary blastoma. The most common presentation was headache (57%) overall and menstrual irregularities (64.2%) in girls. Most (78%) had macroadenomas. Prolactinomas showed an excellent response to primary medical therapy (83.3%). Transsphenoidal surgery was performed in 81% of patients. Diabetes insipidus (30%) and hyponatremia (26.7%) emerged as common postoperative complications. Adjuvant medical management was required in 25%, and radiotherapy in 18%. Remission rates in Cushing's and acromegaly were 62.5% and 57.8%, respectively, with long-term hormone deficits noted in one-third of patients.

PPAs have unique features and management challenges, including effects on growth and puberty. Functional tumours and macroadenomas are common. Remission can be achieved in more than half of the patients, with endocrine deficits persisting in about a third of cases, needing long-term surveillance.