Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin dynamics in children after craniopharyngioma surgery

Shifting Strategies in the Treatment of Pediatric Craniopharyngioma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Craniopharyngiomas represent one of the most challenging diseases to treat. Despite their benign histology, and after many decades of surgical experience and technological advancements, there is still no clear consensus regarding the most effective management for this tumor. Due to their location and aggressive local characteristics, purely surgical approaches all too often result in unacceptable morbidity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Partial resection combined with radiation therapy results in similar control rates when compared to aggressive surgery, while also minimalizing the neuro-endocrinological morbidity. In this manuscript, we describe the historical progression of the shifting strategies in the management of pediatric craniopharyngioma. Time has also altered our expectations for outcomes, evolving from purely morbidity and mortality to simple Glasgow Outcomes Scales, now to formal neuro-psychometric and quality of life data.

Blood Lipid Disorders in Post-Operative Craniopharyngioma Children and Adolescents and the Improvement with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Replacement

Context

The high prevalence of hypothalamic obesity (HO) and dyslipidemia in individuals with craniopharyngioma (CP) following surgery is a cause for increasing concern. However, few studies have explored the lipid profile in pediatric CP patients, with inconsistent findings. In addition, the role of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement remains unclear in these patients.

Objective

To compare the blood lipid profile among post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents with that among healthy controls and to reveal the effects of rhGH replacement.

Methods

Data of 79 post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents in our center were retrospectively collected. Sixty patients underwent rhGH replacement during the follow-ups. We selected 36 patients who received rhGH replacement therapy, while 20 patients received rhGH replacement for at least 1 year and had complete lipid data before and after treatment and compared them with 19 patients who did not receive rhGH replacement therapy.

Results

Craniopharyngioma patients had higher total cholesterol (TC) (5.17 vs 3.77 mmol/L), triglyceride (TG) (1.51 vs 0.73 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (3.14 vs 2.10 mmol/L), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.06 vs 1.39 mmol/L) than controls (all p < 0.001). The lipid profile of obese and non-obese patients was not significantly different. After rhGH replacement, TC was 0.90 mmol/L lower (p = 0.002) and LDL-C was 0.73 mmol/L lower (p = 0.010) than baseline. Although the baseline LDL-C was higher, patients with rhGH replacement had lower LDL-C (-0.73 mmol/L adjusted for age and sex, p = 0.045) after the initiation of replacement compared with patients without rhGH replacement.

Conclusion

The lipid profile of obese and non-obese children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma was unfavorable, and rhGH replacement could improve their lipid profile.

Craniopharyngioma and Metabolic Syndrome: A 5-Year Follow-Up Single-Center Experience

Patients with craniopharyngioma often have comorbidities, such as obesity and hypopituitarism. These two conditions affect each other and worsen the quality of life of patients, which lead to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. In addition, abdominal obesity, measured as waist circumference (WC), is together with other parameters [arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol], one of the components of metabolic syndrome (MS). Each one of these morbidities occurs in patients with craniopharyngioma more frequently than in the remaining population. On these bases, we evaluated metabolic parameters in patients with craniopharyngioma at the time of diagnosis and after a 5-year follow-up, which compares these data with those of age-, gender-, WC-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. In addition, we evaluated the prevalence of MS according to IDF criteria (MS-IDF) and the prevalence of MS according to ATP III (MS-ATPIII) criteria in patients and controls at baseline and after 5 years. We recruited 20 patients with craniopharyngioma (age 38.5 ± 15 years, 10 M) and 20 age-, gender-, WC- and BMI-matched controls (age 34.16 ± 13.19 years, 10 M). In all patients and controls, we evaluated the following: anthropometric features [height, weight, BMI, WC, hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)], systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG)], and blood glucose at baseline and after 5 years. The prevalence of MS, according to IDF and ATPIII criteria, was calculated in the two groups at baseline and after 5 years. According to our results, at baseline, patients with craniopharyngioma had a worse metabolic profile than controls and a higher prevalence of MS. Besides, at a 5-year follow-up, patients still had impaired metabolic characteristics and more frequent MS (according to IDF and ATPIII criteria) when compared to controls. These data confirm that MS in patients with craniopharyngioma is unresponsive to life-changing interventions and to a common pharmacological approach. Other factors may be involved in the evolution of these conditions; so, further studies are needed to establish the correct management of these patients.

Metabolic Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy on Juvenile Patients after Craniopharyngioma Resection

Objective: To investigate the effect of short-term recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy on metabolic parameters in juvenile patients following craniopharyngioma (CP) resection. Methods. This retrospective study included 42 cases of juvenile patients that had undergone CP resection in the Department of Endocrinology at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from April 2013 to August 2020. According to whether they received growth hormone replacement therapy, the patients were divided into either the growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) group (30 cases) or the control group (12 cases). Changes in body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, transaminase activity, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, blood lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were evaluated after one year of GHRT treatment. Results. The average age of the GHRT group was 13.00 (8.00-14.00) years old and these patients had undergone a CP operation an average of 2.00 (1.62-3.15) years earlier. Prior to receiving GHRT treatment, they received appropriate doses of adrenocortical hormone and thyroid hormone replacement therapy. After one year of GHRT treatment, the average BMI z-score decreased from 1.60 ± 1.76 to 1.13 ± 1.73 (P=0.005). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity decreased from 26.50 (17.00∼98.00) U/L to 18.00 (13.00∼26.48) U/L (P ≤ 0.001), and similar changes were observed with regard to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in the GHRT treatment group. The average total cholesterol (TC) decreased from 4.67 (4.10-6.14) mmol/L to 4.32 ± 0.85 mmol/L (P=0.002), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased from 3.05 ± 0.95 mmol/L to 2.56 ± 0.65 mmol/L (P=0.001) in the GHRT treatment group. The average blood urea nitrogen level decreased from 4.53 ± 1.09 mmol/L to 3.92 ± 0.82 mmol/L (P=0.016) and the average serum creatinine (SCr) level decreased from 55.59 ± 12.54 µmol/L to 51.15 ± 10.51 µmol/L (P=0.005) in the GHRT treatment group. The average hsCRP level decreased from 3.23 (1.79∼4.34) mg/L to 0.92 (0.42∼1.21) mg/L in the GHRT treatment group. In the control group, the average ALT activity increased from 26.58 ± 8.75 U/L to 42.58 ± 24.59 U/L (P=0.039), GGT activity increased from 19.0 (13.25-29.25) U/L to 25.00 (14.75-34.75) U/L (P=0.026), and LDL levels increased from 2.27 ± 0.76 mmol/L to 3.43 ± 1.28 mmol/L (P=0.04). Conclusion. GHRT treatment improves the metabolic parameters of juvenile patients that have undergone craniopharyngioma resection by reducing BMI z-scores, low-density lipoprotein, and hsCRP levels and improving liver function.

Metabolic features and changes in glucose-induced serum glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in children with hypothalamic obesity

Background Hypothalamic damage may alter glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. We aim to evaluate the metabolic features and the dynamic changes of GLP-1 levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in children with hypothalamic obesity (HO) compared with simple obesity controls. Methods Subjects included eight patients (six females, aged 9-16 years) with hypothalamo-pituitary tumors who later developed obesity and eight controls with simple obesity matched for age, body mass index (BMI), gender and puberty. We assessed the metabolic syndrome features, fat mass, severity of hyperphagia using a standardized questionnaire, and measured glucose, insulin and GLP-1 levels during a standard 75 g OGTT. Results Age, gender distribution, pubertal status and BMI-Z scores were not significantly different. Subjects with HO had higher fasting triglycerides (TG) than controls (128 vs. 94 mg/dL; p=0.05). Four HO subjects and three controls met the criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Fasting and 120 min post-glucose load GLP-1 levels were significantly higher in HO patients than in controls (21.9 vs. 19.7 pg/mL; p=0.025, 22.1 vs. 17.7 pg/mL; p=0.012). Patients with HO had significantly higher hyperphagia scores than in simple obese controls (13 vs. 2.5; p=0.012). Conclusions Patients with HO appear to have more metabolic complications and hyperphagia than controls with simple obesity. Impaired satiety may play an important role in HO. Fasting and glucose-induced serum GLP-1 concentrations seem to be altered in HO patients and could be a part of the pathogenesis of HO.

CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA - CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC OUTCOME DATA IN A MIXED COHORT OF ADULT AND PAEDIATRIC CASES

BACKGROUND

Craniopharyngiomas are benign but locally invasive tumours of the sellar region that arise from ectopic embryonic remnants of Rathke's pouch, affecting both children (adamantinomatous type -aCP) and adults (papillary type -pCP) and associated with significant morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical presentation of CRF as well as the posttreatment evolution of craniopharyngioma in children versus adults in a large mixed cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of CRF patients evaluated in the National Institute of Endocrinology in Bucharest between 1990 and 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients (72 adults, 35 children) with a mean follow-up of 6.2 years were included. The presenting symptoms were mostly headache, visual impairment, symptoms of hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus. Some symptoms or hormonal abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in the children group (p<0.05): nausea/ vomiting (47.8% vs 16.7%), photophobia (21.7% vs 5.6%), diabetes insipidus(28.5% vs 8.3%), GH deficiency (68.8% vs 17.1%). Impaired visual acuity (67.6%of cases) or visual fields (71.4%) were more frequent in adults compared to children (44.1%; 51.6%). The tumor dimensions were similar in both groups (3.05± 1.05 cm in children; 2.7± 1.07 cm in adults). Massive suprasellar extension reaching the third ventricle was frequently present in all cases. All cases underwent surgery but only a minority of those not cured received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Frequent postoperative complications were: aggravation of the endocrine deficit (>80% of cases in both groups needed chronic replacement therapy), central diabetes insipidus (68.2% children, 34.3% of adults).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar tumor dimensions and extension compared to adults, craniopharyngioma in children is more frequently associated with signs of intracranial pressure. The results and complications of treatment are similar in adults and children.

Endocrine and Metabolic Outcomes After Transcranial and Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches for Primary Resection of Craniopharyngiomas

OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas have traditionally been resected through the transcranial approaches (TCA). The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has recently been developed as an alternative for surgeons, but controversy remains regarding which approach has better outcomes. We compared the endocrine and metabolic outcomes of TCA and EEA in patients who underwent primary resection of craniopharyngiomas.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with craniopharyngioma who were treated by the department of endocrinology and metabolism at our institution between 2011 and 2015.

RESULTS

Of 43 patients assessed, 26 underwent TCA and 17 underwent EEA. After surgery, 29.4% (5/17) of patients in the EEA group had normal anterior pituitary function, whereas none in the TCA group had complete anterior pituitary function. Higher prevalences of corticotropic deficiency (92.3% vs. 52.9%, P = 0.009), thyrotrophic deficiency (96.2% vs. 52.9%, P = 0.003), and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (100% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.014) were found in the TCA group. The TCA group showed a trend toward having more patients with at least 3 anterior pituitary deficits (88.5% vs. 58.8%, P = 0.060). The mean body mass index at last follow-up tended to be lower in the EEA group (24.13 ± 3.16 kg/m² vs. 26.79 ± 4.5 kg/m², P = 0.079), and the preoperative body mass index was comparable between groups. Similar prevalences of overweight/obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome were detected in the 2 groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the rates of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EEA may provide the same gross total resection rate for craniopharyngioma as TCA while providing better protection of anterior pituitary function.

Overweight, obesity and adiposity in survivors of childhood brain tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Survivors of childhood brain tumours (SCBT) have increased cardiometabolic risks, but the determinants of these risks are unclear. This systematic review aims to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity as well as adiposity measures between SCBT and non-cancer controls. The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on body mass index. The secondary outcomes were adiposity measures including percent fat mass, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios. Forty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined was similar between overall SCBT, SCBT excluding craniopharyngioma and non-cancer controls (42.6%, 95% CI 30.1-55.1 vs. 31.7%, 95% CI 20.4-43.0 vs. 40.4%, 95% CI 34.0-46.8). We also found that SCBT have higher percent fat mass (mean difference 4.1%, 95% CI 2.0-6.1), waist-to-hip ratio (mean difference 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.13) and waist-to-height ratio (mean difference 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.10) than non-cancer controls. We conclude that SCBT have similar overweight and obesity distribution but higher adiposity than non-cancer controls. More studies were needed to explore the determinants of adiposity and its contribution to cardiometabolic outcomes in SCBT.

The metabolic syndrome and its components in 178 patients treated for craniopharyngioma after 16 years of follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Patients with craniopharyngioma are at an increased risk for cardio- and cerebrovascular mortality. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important cardiometabolic risk factor, but barely studied in patients with craniopharyngioma. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for the MetS and its components in patients with craniopharyngioma.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with retrospective data.

METHODS

We studied the prevalence of and risk factors for the MetS and its components in 110 Dutch (median age 47 years, range 18-92) and 68 Swedish (median age 50 years, range 20-81) patients with craniopharyngioma with ≥3 years of follow-up (90 females (51%); 83 patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (47%); median follow-up after craniopharyngioma diagnosis 16 years (range 3-62)). In Dutch patients aged 30-70 years and Swedish patients aged 45-69 years, we examined the prevalence of the MetS and its components relative to the general population.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine (46%) of 149 patients with complete data demonstrated the MetS. Prevalence of the MetS was significantly higher in patients with craniopharyngioma compared with the general population (40% vs 26% (P < 0.05) for Dutch patients; 52% vs 15% (P < 0.05) for Swedish patients). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified visual impairment as a borderline significant predictor of the MetS (OR 2.54, 95% CI 0.95-6.81; P = 0.06) after adjustment for glucocorticoid replacement therapy and follow-up duration. Age, female sex, tumor location, radiological hypothalamic damage, ⁹⁰Yttrium brachytherapy, glucocorticoid replacement therapy and follow-up duration significantly predicted components of the MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with craniopharyngioma are at an increased risk for the MetS, especially patients with visual impairment.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in long-term survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma

PURPOSE

Hypothalamic obesity in childhood-onset (CO-) craniopharyngioma patients may predispose to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study reviewed the characteristics of NAFLD associated with CO-craniopharyngioma.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed 75 patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma while younger than 15 years of age between 2000 and 2016.

RESULTS

Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above 40 IU/L was observed in 51 of the 75 (68%) CO-craniopharyngioma patients. Imaging studies were performed in 32 patients with elevated liver enzymes. The estimated prevalence of NAFLD in CO-craniopharyngioma was 47%. NAFLD was detected in 22 patients (male 59%, 4.3±4.0 years after first surgery). The mean age at the time of the initial operation was 9.1±2.9 years. Six patients (27.3%) were diagnosed within 1 year. Among the 19 patients with initial height and weight data, the body mass index (BMI) z-score (BMI_Z) at the time of diagnosis with NAFLD was 1.37±1.01 (range, -0.75 to 3.18), with 4 patients (18.2%) being overweight and 9 (40.9%) being obese. BMI_Z increased above BMI_Z at the time of the operation in 13 patients (68.4%). The increment in BMI_Z was 1.13 (range, 0.10-2.84). Seventeen patients did not receive growth hormone. An insulin-like growth factor-I level <3rd percentile was observed in 19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is common in survivors of CO-craniopharyngioma and may develop earlier. If the ALT or AST is above 40 IU/L, a diagnostic work-up should be started.

The influence of antineoplastic treatment on the weight of survivors of childhood cancer

PURPOSE

Obesity is a late effect in survivors of childhood cancer and correlates with chronic complications. Survivors of leukemia, brain tumors, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are more likely to develop obesity resulting from treatment modalities such as radiotherapy and glucocorticoids. This paper analyzes and integrates the current data available to health professionals in order to clarify strategies that can be used to treat and prevent obesity in childhood cancer survivors.

SOURCES

This is a literature review from on scientifically reliable electronic databases. We selected articles published in the last five years and earlier articles of great scientific importance.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of obesity in cancer survivors are not completely understood, but it is believed that damage to the hypothalamus and endocrine disorders such as insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and hormone deficiency may be involved. The body composition of this group includes a predominance of adipose tissue, especially in those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant and total body irradiation. The use of body mass index in these patients may lead to an underestimation of individuals' risk for metabolic complications.

CONCLUSION

Early identification of groups using accurate anthropometric assessments, interventional treatment, and/or preventative measures and counseling is essential to minimize the adverse effects of treatment. Physical activity and healthy eating to promote adequacy of weight in the whole population should be encouraged.

Radiosurgery for Pediatric Brain Tumors

The utility of radiosurgery for pediatric brain tumors is not well known. For children, radiosurgery may have an important role for treating unresectable tumors, residual disease, or tumors in the recurrent setting that have received prior radiotherapy. The available evidence demonstrates utility for some children with primary brain tumors resulting in good local control. Radiosurgery can be considered for limited residual disease or focal recurrences. However, the potential toxicities are unique and not insignificant. Therefore, prospective studies need to be performed to develop guidelines for indications and treatment for children and reduce toxicity in this population.

Nutritional and endocrinologic evaluation of patients with craniopharyngioma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Lesions of hypothalamus or adjacent brain structures by the craniopharyngioma (CP) and/or its treatment, as well as changes in orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones, are possible pathogenic factors for the obesity observed in CP patients. This study assessed anthropometric measurements, food intake, and biochemical markers of CP patients.

METHODS

Weight, height, skinfold thicknesses, circumferences, body composition, food intake evaluation, basal glucose, lipids, insulin, ghrelin, PYY, and HOMA-IR calculation were obtained from CP children (n = 10, 4F, aged 12 ± 4.2yr) and CP adults (n = 27,13F aged 42 ± 13 yr) and from 32 gender and age matched controls.

RESULTS

Overweight/obesity was observed in 51.4% of the patients at the diagnosis and increased to 86.5% at the time of the study. Obesity was more frequent in patients with grade 2 hypothalamic involvement. Most anthropometric measurements were similar in patients and controls. Caloric intake was lower in CP adults, without difference between children. Lipid intake was higher in CP patients. Carbohydrate and protein intakes were lower in CP children, with no difference between adult groups. There were no differences in micronutrients intake as well as in insulin and PYY levels, and HOMA-IR between patients and controls. HDL-c was lower in CP adults and ghrelin higher in CP children.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high rate of overweight/obesity in CP patients at the diagnosis and throughout the follow-up period. Obesity was associated with degree of hypothalamic involvement but not with caloric intake. Obesity and a lipid rich diet may have contributed to the dyslipidemia observed in CP patients.

Longitudinal changes in body mass index in children with craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the relationship of body mass index at presentation and pituitary status with long-term changes in BMI over a period of 5 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Craniopharyngioma patients (n = 25) attending a tertiary pediatric endocrine center were divided into three groups based on their BMI at presentation [BMI ≥ 2 standard deviation scores (SDS), 0-1.99 SDS, and <0 SDS) and then analyzed for trends of BMI over a period of up to 5 years.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) BMI SDS and hypopituitarism at presentation versus at the 5-year follow-up were as follows: BMI SDS ≥ 2 group (n = 10): 3.55 (0.68), 6/10 versus 3.76 (1.13), 8/10; BMI SDS 0-1.99 group (n = 11): 1.68 (1.05), 3/11 versus 1.64 (2.04), 7/11, and BMI SDS <0 group (n = 4): -0.23 (0.93), 2/4 versus 0.61, 4/4. At the 5-year follow-up, 10/10, 7/11, and 1/4 subjects when divided in groups according to BMI at presentation were obese.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that obesity at presentation, rather than panhypopituitarism either at or after presentation, predicts obesity 5 years after diagnosis. However, obesity at presentation is not always associated with the subsequent development of panhypopituitarism. Pediatric craniopharyngioma subjects who have BMI SDS ≥ 2 at presentation require early and aggressive intervention to help prevent the complications of obesity.

Pituitary stalk management during the microsurgery of craniopharyngiomas

In the present study, 203 patients that had previously undergone microsurgery for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) between 1992 and 2012 were analyzed retrospectively on a long-term follow-up basis to investigate the differences in the recurrence rate and endocrine function between patients with preserved and resected pituitary stalks. To summarize the possible outcomes of microsurgery, the 203 patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A that had preserved pituitary stalks and Group B that had undergone resections of the pituitary stalk. Tumor origins and the involvement of the pituitary stalk during surgery were observed. From 2010 onwards, an ultra-electron microscope was used postoperatively to detect whether pituitary stalk specimens were infiltrated or invaded with tumor cells. Long-term follow-up observations of the patients included tumor recurrence, postoperative endocrine dysfunction and visual acuity and field. Among the 203 patients, 175 patients received gross-total resection (GTR) (175/203, 86.2%), 28 patients underwent subtotal resection (28/203, 13.8%) and 34 patients had surgery that preserved the pituitary stalk (34/203, 16.7%). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between Group A (4/34, 11.8%) and the patients in Group B (10/123, 8.1%) who underwent GTR and also received follow-ups. Of the 157 patients who were followed up, 91 individuals underwent endocrine evaluation and the outcome was divided into normal, satisfactory and poor grades. The results for Group A were 5, 18 and 0, respectively, while the results for Group B were 1, 60 and 7, respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Pituitary stalk specimens of 15 patients were studied postoperatively using an ultra-electron microscope and all samples showed tumor cells had invaded the pituitary stalk (15/15, 100%). Total resections of CPs with the pituitary stalk were recommended if the pituitary stalk was intraoperatively invaded. In cases where the pituitary stalk was not involved, microsurgical excisions preserving the pituitary stalk were preferred, as there was no significant increase in the recurrence rate and the patients experienced less endocrine dysfunction.

Comparative effectiveness of treatment options for pediatric craniopharyngiomas

OBJECT

No clear treatment guidelines for pediatric craniopharyngiomas exist. The authors developed a decision analytical model to evaluate outcomes of 4 surgical approaches for craniopharyngiomas in children, including attempted gross-total resection (GTR), planned subtotal removal plus radiotherapy, biopsy plus radiotherapy, and endoscopic resections of all kinds.

METHODS

Pooled data, including the authors' own experience, were used to create evidence tables, from which incidence, relative risks, and summary outcomes in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated for the 4 management strategies.

RESULTS

Quality-adjusted life years at the 5-year follow-up were 2.3 ± 0.1 for attempted GTR, 2.9 ± 0.2 for planned subtotal removal plus radiotherapy, 3.9 ± 0.2 for biopsy plus radiotherapy, and 3.7 ± 0.2 for endoscopic resection (F = 17,150, p < 0.001). Similarly, QALYs at 10-year follow-up were 4.5 ± 0.2 for attempted GTR, 5.7 ± 0.5 for planned subtotal removal plus radiotherapy, and 7.8 ± 0.5 for biopsy plus radiotherapy (F = 6,173, p < 0.001). On post hoc pairwise comparisons, the differences between all pairs compared were also highly significant (p < 0.001). Since follow-up data at 10 years are lacking for endoscopic cases, this category was excluded from 10-year comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Biopsy with subsequent radiotherapy is the preferred approach with respect to improved overall quality of life. While endoscopic approaches also show promise in preserving quality of life at five-year follow-up, there are not sufficient data to draw conclusions about this comparison at 10 years.

Childhood craniopharyngioma: hypothalamus-sparing surgery decreases the risk of obesity

CONTEXT

Craniopharyngioma is a brain tumor whose high local recurrence rate has for a long time led to a preference for extensive surgery. Limited surgery minimizing hypothalamic damage may decrease the severe obesity rate at the expense of the need for radiotherapy to complete the treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We compared weight gain and local recurrence rates after extensive resection surgery (ERS) and hypothalamus-sparing surgery (HSS).

DESIGN

Our observational study compared a historical cohort managed with ERS between 1985 and 2002 to a prospective cohort managed with HSS between 2002 and 2010.

SETTING

The patients were treated in a pediatric teaching hospital in Paris, France.

PATIENTS

Thirty-seven boys and 23 girls were managed with ERS (median age, 8 years); 38 boys and 27 girls were managed with HSS (median age, 9.3 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data were collected before and 6 months to 7 years after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) Z-score was used to assess obesity and the number of surgical procedures to assess local recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Mean BMI Z-score before surgery was comparable in the 2 cohorts (0.756 after ERS vs 0.747 after HSS; P = .528). At any time after surgery, mean BMI Z-score was significantly lower after HSS (eg, 1.889 SD vs 2.915 SD, P = .004 at 1 year). At last follow-up, the HSS cohort had a significantly lower prevalence of severe obesity (28% vs 54%, P < .05) and higher prevalence of normal BMI (38% vs 17%, P < .01). Mean number of surgical procedures was not significantly different in the 2 cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypothalamus-sparing surgery decreases the occurrence of severe obesity without increasing the local recurrence rate.

Metabolic consequences of craniopharyingioma and their management

Most patients diagnosed with craniopharyngioma survive long-term, but suffer many consequences of the disease and its treatment. Among the metabolic consequences, there is a high prevalence of panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus, mainly due to the surgical treatment. Obesity is also more prevalent in these patients than in the general population, and gets worse with time. It is a consequence of a diminished basal metabolic rate and a lower physical activity compared to that of matched controls, with a similar or lower caloric intake. Many different hormonal alterations that could be responsible for those changes in the energy balance have been found. Patients whose tumor involved the hypothalamus are more prone to develop obesity and its consequences. Cardiovascular risk factors are also more prevalent in these patients, leading to a high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Sleep disturbances, dysfunction in thermoregulation and thirst and a lower bone mineral density can also be found. Although randomized clinical trials comparing different treatments are lacking, it looks like therapeutic strategies have a minor influence on the risk of long-term sequelae.

Comparison of body composition, basal metabolic rate and metabolic outcomes of adults with Prader Willi syndrome or lesional hypothalamic disease, with primary obesity

CONTEXT

The care of patients with hypothalamic obesity is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To compare body composition, basal metabolic rate (BMR) and metabolic outcomes of adults, with lesional or genetic hypothalamic obesity, with obese patients suffering from primary obesity, once matched for body mass index (BMI).

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Adults with hypothalamic obesity of genetic origin (Prader Willi syndrome (PWS)) or acquired hypothalamic damage (HD), such as craniopharygioma, were compared with obese control candidates awaiting bariatric surgery (C), with a BMI between 35 and 65 kg m(-)(2), and aged between 18 and 50 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body composition measured by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, BMR using indirect calorimetry, hormonal and metabolic assessments.

RESULTS

A total of 27 adults with a genetic diagnosis of PWS, 15 obese subjects with HD and 206 obese controls with similar BMI were studied. Compared with the control group, PWS patients had an increased percentage of fat mass (FM), and a decreased percentage of android FM. The BMR of PWS patients was significantly lower than controls and highly correlated with lean body mass in PWS and C patients. Body composition of HD was similar with those of obese patients. A trend toward an increased prevalence of diabetes in HD patients and of cytolysis in PWS was observed in comparison with primary obese patients.

CONCLUSION

Genetic and lesional hypothalamic obesities have different consequences for phenotypic features such as body composition or BMR compared with primary obese patients. The mechanisms of adipose tissue development and metabolic complications may be different between genetic and lesional obesities.

Pituitary tumors in childhood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on recently published literature on pituitary tumors in children with special focus on craniopharyngioma and prolactinoma. Although most pituitary masses are benign neoplasms, they are associated with high morbidity and mortality related to their proximity to vital neurologic structures including the optic chiasm, hypophysis and hypothalamus, resulting in disruption of pituitary hormone secretion.

RECENT FINDINGS

The role of Wingless/β-beta catenin signaling and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein mutations in pituitary tumor formation has been recognized. There is general agreement on optimal treatment of prolactinomas, although duration of medical therapy in children deserves more specific attention. Advances in imaging, medical, surgical and radiotherapy techniques have greatly increased survival rates for all pituitary tumors, but high recurrence rates after attempted complete resection and high progression rates after incomplete resection of craniopharyngioma remain troublesome. Long-term morbidity and late mortality of all pituitary tumors have become better appreciated with recent focus placed on severe obesity. A trend toward a more multidisciplinary approach for craniopharyngioma, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, particularly when tumor burden involves the hypothalamus, continues.

SUMMARY

A vast amount of literature has been recently published, focusing on the management and long-term sequelae of all pituitary tumors in children. Craniopharyngioma remains the most challenging mass arising within sellar and parasellar areas, and optimal treatment continues to be hotly debated. Recognizing the rarity of pediatric pituitary tumors, the field would greatly benefit from more prospective multicenter trials, as well as from standardization of the assessment of preoperative function and post-treatment outcomes.