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Characteristics of paediatric hypopituitarism patients in Latvia: a single-centre 25-year retrospective study
Liga Kornete1, Darta Grunte1, Davis Zakis2
1Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Latvia.
Insights
Early diagnosis of hypopituitarism is crucial for children in Latvia. This study highlights the prevalence and treatment outcomes, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and tailored interventions for growth hormone deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Growth Disorders
Background:
- Hypopituitarism is a chronic condition involving deficient pituitary hormone secretion, with delayed diagnosis posing significant risks.
- Early detection is vital to mitigate severe consequences in neonatal and adult stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypopituitarism in Latvia.
- To analyze the different types of hypopituitarism and their detection ages.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes, particularly growth response, in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 243 pediatric patients treated between 1995 and 2020.
- Patients were categorized into isolated growth hormone deficiency, multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, and panhypopituitarism.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings and treatment responses were assessed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of hypopituitarism in Latvia is approximately 45 cases per 100,000 live births.
- The average age of detection for growth abnormalities was 8 years and 3 months.
- Isolated growth hormone deficiency was most common (67.1%), followed by multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (26.3%) and panhypopituitarism (6.6%).
- Significant growth was observed in the first year of treatment across all subgroups, with panhypopituitarism patients showing the most substantial increase (11.7 cm).
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness and early diagnosis of hypopituitarism in Latvia and Europe are essential.
- Enhanced education for parents, caregivers, and specialists regarding growth restriction is necessary.
- Individualized treatment plans focusing on physical, mental health, safety, and cost-effectiveness are recommended.
Introduction:
Hypopituitarism is a chronic disease characterized by partial or complete absence of secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. Delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences during the neonatal period and adulthood.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had started treatment in the Children's Clinical University Hospital from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2020. In total 243 patients were included; they were divided into 3 subgroups: isolated growth hormone deficiency, multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, and panhypopituitarism.
Results:
The prevalence of hypopituitarism in Latvia is about 45 cases per 100,000 live births. The average detection age of abnormal growth in Latvia is 8 years and 3 months. Most cases had isolated growth hormone deficiency, at 67.1% (n = 163), followed by cases of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, at 26.3% (n = 64), and cases of panhypopituitarism, at 6.6% (n = 16). Abnormalities in MRI were found in 44.7% (n = 101) of patients. The most best therapeutic effect was achieved in the first year of treatment: with growth of an average of 9.3 cm (+0.1 SD) for isolated growth hormone deficiency, 9.0 cm (+0.6 SD) for multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, and 11.7 cm (+1SD) for patients with panhypopituitarism.
Conclusions:
It is important to increase awareness and promote early diagnosis for hypopituitarism patients in Latvia and in Europe. More attention should be paid to education about growth restriction problems to parents, caregivers, and other specialists. The treatment should be adjusted individually with the focus not only on physical and mental health but also on safety and treatment costs.
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