Hypopituitarism after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of death and disability in young adults, with consequences ranging from physical disabilities to long-term cognitive, behavioural, psychological and social defects. Post-traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) was recognized more than 80 years ago, but it was thought to be a rare occurrence. Recently, clinical evidence has demonstrated that TBI may frequently cause hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, probably contributing to a delayed or hampered recovery from TBI. Changes in pituitary hormone secretion may be observed during the acute phase post-TBI, representing part of the acute adaptive response to the injury. Moreover, diminished pituitary hormone secretion, caused by damage to the pituitary and/or hypothalamus, may occur at any time after TBI. PTHP is observed in about 40% of patients with a history of TBI, presenting as an isolated deficiency in most cases, and more rarely as complete pituitary failure. The most common alterations appear to be gonadotropin and somatotropin deficiency, followed by corticotropin and thyrotropin deficiency. Hyper- or hypoprolactinemia may also be present. Diabetes insipidus may be frequent in the early, acute phase post-TBI, but it is rarely permanent. Severity of TBI seems to be an important risk factor for developing PTHP; however, PTHP can also manifest after mild TBI. Accurate evaluation and long-term follow-up of all TBI patients are necessary in order to detect the occurrence of PTHP, regardless of clinical evidence for pituitary dysfunction. In order to improve outcome and quality of life of TBI patients, an adequate replacement therapy is of paramount importance.     

Hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury.

Recent studies have demonstrated that hypopituitarism, and in particular growth hormone (GH) deficiency, is common among survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) tested several months or years following head trauma. In addition, it has been shown that post-traumatic neuroendocrine abnormalities occur early and with high frequency. These findings may have significant implications for the recovery and rehabilitation of patients with TBI. Although data emerging after 2000 demonstrate the relevance of the problem, in general there is a lack of awareness in the medical community about the incidence and clinical repercussions of the pathology. Most, but not all, head trauma associated with hypopituitarism is the result of motor accidents. The subjects at risk are those who have suffered moderate-to severe head trauma although mild intensity trauma may precede hypopituitarism also. Particular attention should be paid to this problem in children and adolescents. Onset of pituitary deficits can evolve over years following injury. For the assessment of the GH-IGF axis in TBI patients, plasma IGF-I concentrations, plus dynamic GH testing is indicated. Some degree of hypopituitarism is found in 35-40% of TBI patients. Among multiple pituitary deficits, the most common ones were GHD and gonadotrophin deficiency. In most series 10-15% presented with severe GHD and 15% with partial GHD after stimulating GH secretion confirming that the most common isolated deficit is GHD. Psychometric evaluation together with neurocognitive testing shows variability of disability and the possibility that untreated TBI induced hypopituitarism contributes to the chronic neurobehavioral problems seen in many head-injured patients warrants consideration. Preliminary data, from small pilot, open-label studies show that subjects treated with GH experience significant improvements in concentration, memory, depression, anxiety and fatigue. In conclusion, pituitary failure can occur even in minor head injuries and is poorly recognized.     

Hypopituitarism following severe traumatic brain injury.

Although hypopituitarism is a known complication of traumatic head injury, it may be under-recognized due to its subtle clinical manifestations. To address this issue, we determine the prevalence of neuroendocrine abnormalities in patients rehabilitating from severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 8). 76 patients (mean age 39 +/- 14 yr; range 18-65; 53 males and 23 females; BMI 25.8 +/- 4.2 kg/m2; mean +/- SD) with a severe traumatic brain injury, an average of 22 +/- 10 months before this study (median, 20 months), underwent a series of standard endocrine tests, including TSH, free T4, T4, T3, prolactin, testosterone (males), estradiol (females), cortisol, ACTH, GH, and IGF-I. All subjects also underwent GH response to GHRH + arginine. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was defined as a GH response < 9 microg/L to GHRH + arginine and was confirmed by ITT (< 3 microg/L). Pituitary deficiency was shown in 24% of the patients (18/76). 8% (n = 6) had GHD (GH-peak range [GHRH + arginine]: 2.8-6.3 microg/L; GH-peak range [ITT]: 1.5-2.2 microg/L; IGF-I range: 62-174 microg/L). 17% (n = 13) had hypogonadism (total testosterone < 9.5 nmol/L and low gonadotropins in 12 males; low estradiol, and low gonadotropins in 1 female). Total testosterone levels did not correlate with BMI or age. 2 males with hypogonadism also showed a mild hyperprolactinemia (33 and 41 ng/ml). 3% (n = 2) patients had partial ACTH-deficiency (cortisol-peak [ITT] 392 and 417 nmol/L) and 3% (n = 2) had TSH-deficiency. In summary, we have found hypopituitarism in one-fourth of patients with predominantly secondary hypogonadism and GHD. These findings strongly suggest that patients who suffer head trauma must routinely include neuroendocrine evaluations.     

Hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI): a guideline decalogue

In order to gain further insight into hypopituitarism, that ensues moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), a group of experts actively working in the field gathered to exchange recent data and concepts. The objective arising from the meeting was to enhance the awareness of both medical specialists and health care administrators on the problem, whose prevalence is higher than previously thought. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of TBI-mediated hypopituitarism were produced.     

Hypopituitarism after acute brain injury

Acute brain injury has many causes, but the most common is trauma. There are 1.5–2.0 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States yearly, with an associated cost exceeding $10 billion. TBI is the most common cause of death and disability in young adults less than 35 years of age. The consequences of TBI can be severe, including disability in motor function, speech, cognition, and psychosocial and emotional skills. Recently, clinical studies have documented the occurrence of pituitary dysfunction after TBI and another cause of acute brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). These studies have consistently demonstrated a 30–40% occurrence of pituitary dysfunction involving at least one anterior pituitary hormone following a moderate to severe TBI or SAH. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is the most common pituitary hormone disorder, occurring in approximately 20% of patients when multiple tests of GH deficiency are used. Within 7–21 days of acute brain injury, adrenal insufficiency is the primary concern. Pituitary function can fluctuate over the first year after TBI, but it is well established by 1 year. Studies are ongoing to assess the effects of hormone replacement on motor function and cognition in TBI patients. Any subject with a moderate to severe acute brain injury should be screened for pituitary dysfunction.     

Hypopituitarism in childhood and adolescence following traumatic brain injury: the case for prospective endocrine investigation

Pituitary dysfunction is now well recognised after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults; however, little except anecdotal evidence is known about this potential complication in childhood and adolescence. Histopathological evidence exists for both hypothalamic and pituitary damage, but few data specific to children have been published. We review the available paediatric data, which shows that after both mild and severe TBI, hypopituitarism may occur, with GH and gonadotrophin deficiencies appearing to be most common. Precocious puberty has also been documented. Road-traffic accidents, falls, sport and child abuse are the most common aetiological factors for paediatric TBI. There are no published data on the incidence or prevalence, neither within a population of children with TBI, of hypopituitarism, nor on its natural history or response to hormone replacement. We urge paediatric endocrinologists, in collaboration with adult endocrinologists, to perform formal prospective research studies in patients suffering from TBI to clarify these questions.     

Neuroendocrine dysfunction in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND: Pituitary hormone abnormalities have been reported in up to 50% of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were investigated several months or longer following the event. The frequency of pituitary dysfunction in the early post-TBI period is unknown. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of anterior and posterior pituitary dysfunction in the early phase following TBI. SUBJECTS: Fifty consecutive patients admitted to the neurosurgical unit with severe or moderate TBI [initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 3-13], and 31 matched healthy control volunteers were studied. METHODS: The glucagon stimulation test (GST) was performed at a median of 12 days (range 7-20) following TBI. Baseline thyroid function, PRL, IGF-1, gonadotrophins, testosterone or oestradiol, plasma sodium, plasma and urine osmolalities or the standard observed water deprivation test were performed. The control subjects underwent the GST for GH and cortisol responses; other parameters were compared to locally derived reference ranges. RESULTS: Control data indicated that peak serum GH of > 5 ng/ml and cortisol > 450 nmol/l following glucagon stimulation should be taken as normal. Nine TBI patients (18%) had GH response < 5 ng/ml (12 mU/l). Eight patients (16%) had peak cortisol responses < 450 nmol/l. Compared to controls, basal cortisol values were significantly lower in patients with subnormal cortisol responses to glucagon and significantly higher in patients with normal cortisol responses (P < 0.05). GH and cortisol deficiencies were unrelated to patient age, BMI, initial GCS or IGF-1 values (P > 0.05). Forty patients (80%) had gonadotrophin deficiency, with low sex steroid concentrations, which was unrelated to the presence of hyperprolactinaemia. In males there was a positive correlation between serum testosterone concentration and GCS (r = 0.32, P = 0.04). One patient had TSH deficiency. Hyperprolactinaemia was present in 26 patients (52%) and serum PRL levels correlated negatively with the GCS score (r =-0.36, P = 0.011). Thirteen patients (26%) had cranial diabetes insipidus (DI) and seven (14%) had syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion. CONCLUSION: Our data show that post-traumatic neuroendocrine abnormalities occur early and with high frequency, which may have significant implications for recovery and rehabilitation of TBI patients.     

重型颅脑损伤急性期病人护理进展

［摘要］　重型颅脑损伤(severe traumatic brain injury,sTBI)是神经外科常见的急危重症,约占颅脑损伤的20%,其急性期病情变化快,并发症多、治疗困难、护理复杂,致残、致死率高,病死率约30%。而护理质量的高低直接影响着病人的安危。现就重型颅脑损伤急性期病人的病情观察和颅内压监护、脑保护、肠内营养支持、镇痛镇静、脱水治疗、应激性高血糖等重要护理进行综述。     

诱导型神经干细胞移植对颅脑创伤后神经营养因子分泌的影响

目的研究诱导型神经干细胞（iNSCs）移植对颅脑创伤（TBI）后神经营养因子分泌的影响。 方法采用自由落体脑打击装置制备雄性成年C57BL/6小鼠TBI模型，将神经功能缺损评分（NSS）4~8分者纳入TBI组，按照随机数字表法分为iNSCs移植组（12只）和磷酸盐缓冲液（PBS）处理组（9只）。同时设置假手术（sham）组（9只）。于TBI后12 h，用脑立体定向仪将含1×10⁶个iNSCs单细胞悬液或等体积PBS分别移植到TBI小鼠脑内，于移植后7 d处死动物。分别取脑组织mRNA（3只/组）行逆转录定量实时聚合酶链反应（RT-qPCR）和蛋白（6只/组）行酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA），检测脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）和胶质细胞源性神经营养因子（GDNF）表达量；取iNSCs移植组（3只）动物脑组织行免疫荧光染色，观察iNSCs移植物分泌BDNF和GDNF。 结果RT-qPCR示：相比sham组，TBI小鼠脑组织中Bdnf和Gdnf基因转录水平明显降低；相比PBS处理组，iNSCs移植组TBI小鼠脑组织中Bdnf和Gdnf基因转录水平明显升高，差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。ELISA示：相比sham组，TBI小鼠脑组织中BDNF和GDNF蛋白表达水平明显降低；相比PBS处理组，iNSCs移植组TBI小鼠脑组织中BDNF和GDNF蛋白表达水平明显升高，差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。免疫荧光染色示iNSCs移植组TBI小鼠脑内可见绿色荧光蛋白标记的iNSCs移植物迁移到达脑损伤区并表达BDNF和GDNF。 结论经脑立体定向移植iNSCs可在TBI后脑组织中合成分泌神经营养因子BDNF和GDNF，发挥神经营养作用。     

Hypopituitarism as a consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its possible relation with cognitive disabilities and mental distress

Recent studies have demonstrated that hypopituitarism, in particular GH deficiency, is common among survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) tested several months or yr following head trauma. We present the results of endocrine, neurological, neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluation in a group of 67 patients who suffered TBI at least one yr ago. Our study shows that decreased endocrine function is either restricted to one or more anterior pituitary hormones and is present in 34% of patients with any pituitary hormone deficit, while multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies are found in 10% of patients. GH/IGF-I axis was evaluated by GHRH+GHRP-6 test and IGF-I measurement. Severe GHD is the most frequent deficiency present in 15% of TBI patients. Gonadotrophin deficiency was present in 9% of patients with TBI, while thyrotroph and corticotroph function seemed more refractory to impairment. Patients with moderate-to-severe trauma are not necessarily more likely to have hypopituitarism than those with mild injury. Neuropsychological testing revealed a significant positive correlation of peak GH levels after GHRH+GHJRP-6 test with verbal learning and verbal short term memory (RAVLT total score p = 0.06, immediate free recall p = 0.02 and delayed free recall p = 0.04). Verbal and visual memory was significantly lower in elderly patients and in males. Visoconstructional abilities (RCF copy) were significantly lower in the elderly (p < 0.01) and undereducated (p = 0.02). Visual memory (free recall of complex figure after 30 min) significantly correlated with lower IGF-I levels (p = 0.01). Gonadotrophins and testosterone correlated significantly with visoconstructional abilities. Simple and complex conceptual tracking (TMT A and B) was significantly more impaired in older TBI patients (p < 0.01) and with longer time from trauma (TMT B only, p = 0.03). The psychiatric evaluation by using two different scales showed depression, phobic anxiety and psychoticism to be more prominent in the TBI group. Paranoid ideation and somatization negatively correlated with the peak GH responses to GHRH+GHRP-6 test (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). Depression scale showed that nearly half of patients suffered from mild to moderate depression. The benefits of hormone replacement therapy on cognitive functioning and mental distress in TBI patients are eagerly awaited.     

Hormonal diseases after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury represents major medical and social problem in all developed countries. Its incidence is about 200 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. In the acute phase immediately after injury the posterior pituitary dysfunction is well-known. The incidence of severe grossly hypernatremic cases of diabetes insipidus (DI) is about 3%, less severe form of ADH insufficiency was recognized in 21-26%. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was described in about 14%. These changes are transient in most cases, persisting DI has an incidence of 5-7% and SIADH cases recover almost always. Since the beginning of this century several series evaluating prospectively all patients after moderate to severe TBI have been published. Permanent hypopituitarism was found in one quarter to one half of them. The most common turned out to be the growth hormone (17.6%) and gonadotropic (13.4%) deficiency. Less common is the corticotropic (8.4%) and thyrotropic (4.3%) insufficiency. In the majority of patients an isolated dysfunction was discovered. However, in 9%, a combined failure of two or more HPA axis was present. This paper describes the minimum investigation needed to diagnose hypopituitarism by patients after TBI, who may profit from substitution therapy.     

Recurrent hyponatremia after traumatic brain injury

Dysregulation of the neuroendocrine system is a frequent complication after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of these hormonal abnormalities might be subtle and thus easily ignored. Hyponatremia usually indicates underlying disorders that disrupt fluid homeostasis. In most patients with TBI, hyponatremia is a feature of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion due to pituitary dysfunction after head injury. Usually TBI-associated hyponatremia is transient and reversible. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with TBI-associated hyponatremia with delayed recovery and recurrent hyponatremia precipitated by subsequent surgery. In this report, we emphasize the importance of identifying patients with slow recovery of the injured brain, which could complicate with SIADH and acute hyponatremia. Differentiating TBI-associated SIADH from other important causes of hyponatremia such as cerebral salt wasting, and hypocortisonism are also reviewed. Prevention of its recurrence by avoiding further risk is mandatory in managing patients with TBI.     

Diagnostic sensitivity of traumatic axonal injury of the spinothalamic tract in patients with mild traumatic brain injury

Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) can detect traumatic axonal injury (TAI) in patients whose conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging results are negative. This study investigated the diagnostic sensitivity of TAI of the spinothalamic tract (STT) in patients with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffering from central pain symptoms, using DTT.Thirty-five patients with central pain following mild TBI and 30 healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. After DTT-based reconstruction of the STT, we analyzed the STT in terms of configuration (narrowing and/or tearing) and the DTT parameters (fractional anisotropy and tract volume).Thirty-three (94.3%) patients had at least 1 DTT parameter value at 1 standard deviation below the control group value, and 20 (57.1%) patients had values at 2 standard deviations, below the control group value. All 35 patients showed STT abnormalities (tearing, narrowing, or both) on DTT.A high diagnostic sensitivity of TAI of the STT in patients with mild TBI was achieved. However, the small number of subjects who visited the university hospital and the limitations of DTT should be considered when generalizing the results of this study.