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Endocrine function, morbidity, and mortality after surgery for craniopharyngioma
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Childhood craniopharyngioma treatment frequently causes pituitary deficits, including hormone deficiencies and diabetes insipidus. These deficits pose significant long-term risks and can lead to medical emergencies and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Craniopharyngioma is a common pediatric brain tumor affecting the pituitary gland.
- Treatment of craniopharyngioma often leads to significant endocrine dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and long-term consequences of pituitary deficits following craniopharyngioma treatment in children.
- To evaluate the mortality associated with these endocrine deficits.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 59 children treated for craniopharyngioma between 1960 and 1980.
- Analysis of postoperative endocrine deficiencies and mortality data.
Main Results:
- High rates of postoperative deficiencies were observed: growth hormone (100%), andrenocorticotropic hormone (72%), thyrotropin (65%), gonadotropin (94%), and diabetes insipidus (76%).
- Fifteen patients died, with diabetes insipidus contributing to early deaths and anterior pituitary insufficiency suspected in later unexpected deaths.
- Hypopituitarism caused medical emergencies in 12 patients, including symptomatic hypoglycemia in 9.
Conclusions:
- Current craniopharyngioma treatment methods result in a high incidence of pituitary deficits in children.
- These deficits present substantial long-term risks, including increased mortality and medical emergencies.