Pituitary adenomas registry in Thailand

Pituitary adenomas are the most common sellar tumors, and may cause adverse outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality if left untreated or if diagnosis is delayed. No data exists on the prevalence, characteristics, and prognosis of pituitary adenomas in Thailand. The systematic registration of clinical characteristics may improve patient care and prognosis for this disease in Thailand.

This was a retrospective study conducted in 11 academic referral centers. All patients diagnosed with pituitary adenomas during the 2011---2014 period were enrolled in the study. The information was correlated with two national databases.

A total of 1,283 pituitary adenoma patients were identified. The adenomas were: non-functioning 50.1%, prolactinoma 29.4%, acromegaly 14.7%, Cushing disease 3.8%, gonadotropin-producing tumor 1.0%, TSH-secreting tumor 0.6%. The mean age was 49.2±15.2 years. Sixty-three percent of patients were female. Most common complaint was visual impairment (27.7%). The average size of the tumor was 22.2±16.1 mm. Fifty-nine percent of patients underwent surgery. Median follow-up was 27.4 months (0-24 years). After treatment, 72.4% improved, and 10.4% were cured. Overall results of treatment in non-functioning adenoma, prolactinoma (medically treated), acromegaly, Cushing, TSH, gonadotropin producing adenoma were: improved/cured in 81/5.5, 86/5.7, 55.9/30, 54.2/31.2, 85.7/14.3, 69.2/15.4% respectively.

Pituitary adenomas in academic centers in Thailand were found predominantly in female in the 4th decade of life. After treatment 72.4% of patients improved and 10% had full recovery. A health promotion system aimed to improve patient and physician recognition and physician expertise may improve the prognosis of these diseases.