Pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: course and clinical predictors—the HIPS study

Prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pituitary dysfunction (PD) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The prevalence of PD varies widely at a global level and no recent meta-analysis is available. Therefore, the aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the updated estimates of worldwide prevalence of PD after aSAH.

METHODS

Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were used to comprehensively search the appropriate literature and a random-effects meta-analysis on the results of the available studies was performed. The heterogeneity in the prevalence estimates was evaluated by subgroup analysis in terms of types of PD, and acute and chronic phases of aSAH. The onset of PD within 6 months after aSAH was considered as acute, while that after 6 months was considered as chronic.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies with 1848 patients were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of PD in the acute phase was 49.6% (95% CI, 32.4-66.8%), and 30.4% (95% CI, 21.4-39.4%) in the chronic phase. Among the hormonal deficiencies, growth hormone dysfunction was the most prevalent in the acute phase, being 36.0% (95% CI, 21.0-51.0%), while hypoadrenalism was the most prevalent in the chronic phase, being 21.0% (95% CI, 12.0-29.0%). Among the six World Health Organization regions, the South-East Asia Region has the highest prevalence of PD in the acute phase (81.0%, 95%CI, 77.0-86.0%, P < 0.001), while the European Region had the highest prevalence of PD in the chronic phase (33.0%, 95%CI, 24.0-43.0%, P < 0.001). Moreover, single pituitary hormonal dysfunction occurred more frequently than the multiple one, regardless of acute or chronic phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half (49.6%) of the included patients with aSAH developed PD complication in the acute phase, while 30.4% of the patients developed them in the chronic phase. Although prevalence varies globally, the high healthcare burden, morbidity and mortality require greater awareness among clinicians.

Endocrine dysregulation in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is one of the most common causes of neurocritical care admission. Consistent evidence has been suggestive of endocrine dysregulation in aSAH. This review aims to provide an up-to-date presentation of the available evidence regarding endocrine dysregulation in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed database. All available evidence related to endocrine dysregulation in hypothalamic-pituitary hormones, adrenal hormones and natriuretic peptides after aSAH, published since 2010, were reviewed.

RESULTS

There have been reports of varying prevalence of dysregulation in hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal hormones in aSAH. The cause of this dysregulation and its pattern remain unclear. Hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal dysregulation have been associated with higher incidence of poor neurological outcome and increased mortality. Whilst there is evidence that long-term dysregulation of these axes may also develop, it appears to be less frequent than the acute-phase dysregulation and transient in pattern. Increased levels of catecholamines have been reported in the hyper-acute phase of aSAH with reported inconsistent correlation with the outcomes and the complications of the disease. There is growing evidence that of a causal link between the endocrine dysregulation and the development of hyponatraemia and delayed cerebral ischaemia, in the acute phase of aSAH. However, the pathophysiological mechanism and pattern of endocrine dysregulation which could be causally associated with these complications still remain debatable.

CONCLUSION

The evidence, mainly from small observational and heterogeneous in methodology studies, is suggestive of adverse effects of the endocrine dysregulation on the outcome and the incidence of complications of the disease. However, the cause of this dysregulation and a pathophysiological mechanism that could link its presence with the development of acute complications and the outcome of the aSAH remain unclear. Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical significance of endocrine dysregulation in subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Pathomechanisms behind cognitive disorders following ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms: A diffusion tensor imaging study

INTRODUCTION

After the rupture of anterior communicating aneurysms, most patients experience debilitating cognitive disorders; and sometimes even without showing morphological anomaly on MRI examinations. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may help understanding the pathomechanisms leading to such disorders in this subset of patients.

METHODS

After independent assessment, we constituted a population of patients with normal morphological imaging (ACOM group). Then, a case-control study comparing volumetric and voxel-based DTI parameters between the ACOM group and a control population was performed. All patients underwent the full imaging and neuropsychological assessments at 6 months after the aneurysm rupture. Results were considered significant when p<2.02.10^-4.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were included in the ACOM group: 75% had at least one disabled cognitive domain. Significant differences in DTI parameters of global white matter were noted (average Fractional Anisotropy: 0.915 [±0.05] in ACOM group versus 0.943 (±0.03); p = 1.10^-5) and in frontal white matter tracts (superior fronto-occipital fasciculus and anterior parts of the corona radiata) as well as in the fornix.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive disorders are under-estimated, and DTI confirmed that, even when conventional MRI examinations were normal, there were still signs of diffuse neuronal injuries that seemed to dominate in frontal areas, close to the site of rupture.

Pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) results from the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm and represents a highly debilitating and devastating disorder. The prevalence rate of neuroendocrine impairment in the acute phase is extremely variable, ranging from 3.8% to 92.3%, depending on the time point considered, the method/test utilized, the clinical severity at admission, and probably also ethnicity. Further studies are needed to clarify such a wide range in neuroendocrine dysfunction in patients with aSAH. The overall neuroendocrine impairment rate in chronic aSAH is in the range 47%-83.3% with specific neuroendocrine impairment varying from 2.5% to 83.3%. The overall pituitary deficiency rate tends to decrease over time after SAH, with recovery of most endocrine and some de novo dysfunctions being reported. Only one study has reported an increase of overall endocrine impairment in the chronic follow-up. Neuroendocrine dysfunction seems to have a high prevalence in aSAH patients, even though its exact impact is not precisely known and is based on contrasting findings. More high-quality studies and trials are necessary before informing guidelines and protocols recommending preventive endocrine screening and related treatment (hormone replacement therapy) on a routine basis. The usage of standardized testing and reporting procedures could significantly move the field forward.

Pituitary Dysfunction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains incompletely elucidated. Furthermore, it is not clear whether these abnormalities impact patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH and its effect on outcomes.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective, cohort study including adult patients (18 y of age or older) with a diagnosis of aSAH who were admitted to the intensive care unit in 3 centers between January 2017 and January 2019. Exclusion criteria were previous hypopituitarism, hormonal replacement therapies for pituitary dysfunction or any corticosteroid treatment. Endocrine function was tested within the first 48 hours after aSAH onset (acute phase), after 1 to 3 weeks (subacute phase), and after 6 to 12 months (chronic phase). Clinical outcomes were assessed at 6 to 12 months using the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients were included in the study; all were studied in the acute phase, 34 were studied in the subacute phase, and 49 in the chronic phase. Pituitary dysfunction was identified in 92.3% (95% confidence interval; [CI]: 86.6%-98.0%) of cases in the acute phase, in 83.3% (95% CI: 70.8%-95.8%) in the subacute phase, and in 83.3% (95% CI: 72.7%-93.9%) of cases in the chronic phase. The most commonly identified abnormality was dysfunction of the pituitary-gonadal axis. There was no correlation between pituitary dysfunction and clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Pituitary dysfunction is common after aSAH, but does not affect 6 to 12-month clinical outcomes.

Fatigue After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Highly Prevalent in the First-Year Postonset and Related to Low Physical Fitness: A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate whether low physical fitness and inactive and sedentary lifestyles play a role in the severity of fatigue in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH).

DESIGN

This is a prospective 1-yr follow-up study, including a total of 52 patients with a-SAH. Outcome measures included the Fatigue Severity Scale score, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), isokinetic knee muscle strength (peak torque), physical activity (% 24-hr period), and sedentary behavior (% waking hours) and were evaluated at 6 and 12 mos after onset.

RESULTS

Fatigue was highly prevalent in the first year and reported by 48% of the patients at 6 mos and by 52% at 12 mos after a-SAH. Fatigue was associated with the knee extension (P < 0.001) and flexion strength (P < 0.001). A nonsignificant trend for a relationship was found between fatigue and the aerobic capacity (P = 0.079). No relationships were found between fatigue and physical activity or sedentary behavior. Fatigue could not be predicted by disease-related characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of the patients were fatigued in the first year after a-SAH. Interventions are necessary to reduce fatigue and should consider exercise training as a potential contributor to a multimodal treatment, preventing debilitating conditions after a-SAH.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Recognize the association between fatigue and physical fitness in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; (2) Determine the severity of fatigue complaints in patient after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; and (3) Discuss the role of physical deconditioning in the management of fatigue in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

LEVEL

Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

People With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Have Low Physical Fitness and Can Be Predisposed to Inactive and Sedentary Lifestyles

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyles, and low functional outcome are thought to impact the level of physical fitness in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH). However, changes in fitness over time and associated factors have not been studied in a-SAH.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the level of physical fitness in the first year after a-SAH and explore longitudinal relations with physical activity, sedentary behavior, and functional outcome. Additionally, we evaluated whether physical fitness could be predicted by disease-related characteristics (ie, severity of a-SAH, location of the aneurysm, treatment procedure, pituitary dysfunction, and complications).

DESIGN

This was a prospective 1-year follow-up study.

METHODS

Fifty-two participants performed exercise testing at 6 and 12 months after a-SAH. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and isokinetic dynamometry were applied to determine the peak oxygen uptake $({\rm{\dot{V}}}{{\rm{o}}_{2{\rm{peak}}}})$ and the peak torque of the knee extensors (PText) and flexors (PTflex). In addition, physical activity and sedentary behavior were evaluated by accelerometer-based activity monitoring. The functional outcome was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure. Disease-related characteristics were collected at hospital intake.

RESULTS

At both 6 and 12 months, all fitness parameters were lower compared with predicted values (ranging from 18% to 28%). Physical activity is related to both ${\rm{\dot{V}}}{{\rm{o}}_{{\rm{2peak}}}}$ and PTflex. The Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure scores was related to PText and PTflex. Further, participants who underwent surgical clipping had lower ${\rm{\dot{V}}}{{\rm{o}}_{{\rm{2peak}}}}$ and PTflex.

LIMITATIONS

Longitudinal observations cannot confirm causality.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of physical fitness remain low over the first year after a-SAH. Participants who were physically more active had higher levels of physical fitness, whereas participants with impaired functional outcome or who were treated with surgical clipping were at risk of low physical fitness. Exercise interventions are warranted and should focus on the promotion of physical activity and target patients with impaired functional outcome or those who have been treated with surgical clipping.

Neuroendocrine changes after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction is high following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and when occurs it may contribute to residual symptoms of aSAH such as decreased cognition and quality of life. Hypopituitarism following aSAH may have non-specific, subtle symptoms and potentially serious consequences if remained undiagnosed.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods and management of neuroendocrine changes after aSAH as well as on the impact of pituitary dysfunction on outcome of the patient.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH varies greatly across studies due to different diagnostic methods, though growth hormone deficiency is generally the most frequently reported followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin and thyroid stimulating hormone deficiencies. Pituitary deficiency tends to improve over time after aSAH but new onset deficiencies in chronic phase may also occur. There are no clinical parameters to predict the presence of hypopituitarism after aSAH. Age of the patient and surgical procedures are risk factors associated with development of hypopituitarism but the effect of pituitary dysfunction on outcome of the patient is not clear. Replacement of hypocortisolemia and hypothyroidism is essential but treatment of other hormonal insufficiencies should be individualized.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypopituitarism following aSAH necessitates screening despite lack of gold standard evaluation tests and cut-off values in the follow up, because missed diagnosis may lead to untoward consequences.

Comorbidity of diabetes mellitus in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a systematic literature review

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a subtype of hydrocephalus that occurs more often in the elderly population. It is usually characterized by gait disturbance, dementia and urinary incontinence. Epidemiological studies indicate that 15.7–17.8% of iNPH patients present with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A review of the primary literature shows that these occurrence rates are higher than age- and cohort-matched non-iNPH controls. This suggests that this already vulnerable patient group has an increased risk for presenting with DM compared to their non-iNPH counterparts. Postoperative outcome when treating iNPH patients is inversely related to the number of patient comorbidities and a lower comorbidity status is correlated with better outcomes. This review highlights the need for further research into the relationship between iNPH and DM and speculates on a possible mechanism for an association between the development of ventriculomegaly and the development of DM and iNPH.

Pituitary dysfunction and association with fatigue in stroke and other acute brain injury

BACKGROUND

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. However, the etiology remains incompletely understood. Literature suggests the co-prevalence of pituitary dysfunction (PD) with stroke, and the question raises whether this could be a contributing factor to the development of PSF. This study reviews the prevalence of PD after stroke and other acquired brain injuries and its association with fatigue.

SUMMARY

We performed a bibliographic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for English language studies on PD in adult patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Forty-two articles were selected for review. Up to 82% of patients were found to have any degree of PD after stroke. Growth hormone deficiency was most commonly found. In aSAH and TBI, prevalences up to 49.3% were reported. However, data differed widely between studies, mostly due to methodological differences including the diagnostic methods used to define PD and the focus on the acute or chronic phase. Data on PD and outcome after stroke, aSAH and TBI are conflicting. No studies were found investigating the association between PD and PSF. Data on the association between PD and fatigue after aSAH and TBI were scarce and conflicting, and fatigue is rarely been investigated as a primary end point.

KEY MESSAGES

Data according to the prevalence of PD after stroke and other acquired brain injury suggest a high prevalence of PD after these conditions. However, the clinical relevance and especially the association with fatigue need to be established.

The prevalence of growth hormone deficiency in survivors of subarachnoid haemorrhage: results from a large single centre study

OBJECTIVE

The variation in reported prevalence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) post subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is mainly due to methodological heterogeneity. We report on the prevalence of GHD in a large cohort of patients following SAH, when dynamic and confirmatory pituitary hormone testing methods are systematically employed.

DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, pituitary function was assessed in 100 patients following SAH. Baseline pituitary hormonal profile measurement and glucagon stimulation testing (GST) was carried out in all patients. Isolated GHD was confirmed with an Arginine stimulation test and ACTH deficiency was confirmed with a short synacthen test.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypopituitarism in our cohort was 19% and the prevalence of GHD was 14%. There was no association between GHD and the clinical or radiological severity of SAH at presentation, treatment modality, age, or occurrence of vasospasm. There were statistically significant differences in terms of Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS; p = 0.03) between patients diagnosed with GHD and those without. Significant inverse correlations between GH peak on GST with body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) was also noted (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Using the current testing protocol, the prevalence of GHD detected in our cohort was 14%. It is unclear if the BMI and WHR difference observed is truly due to GHD or confounded by the endocrine tests used in this protocol. There is possibly an association between the development of GHD and worse GOS score. Routine endocrine screening of all SAH survivors with dynamic tests is time consuming and may subject many patients to unnecessary side-effects. Furthermore the degree of clinical benefit derived from growth hormone replacement in this patient group, remains unclear. Increased understanding of the most appropriate testing methodology in this patient group and more importantly which SAH survivors would derive most benefit from GHD screening is required.

Inactive lifestyles and sedentary behavior in persons with chronic aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: evidence from accelerometer-based activity monitoring

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) is a potential life-threatening stroke. Because survivors may be at increased risk for inactive and sedentary lifestyles, this study evaluates physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in the chronic phase after a-SAH.

METHODS

PA and SB were objectively measured at six months post a-SAH with an accelerometer-based activity monitor, with the aim to cover three consecutive weekdays. Total time spent in PA (comprising walking, cycling, running and non-cyclic movement) and SB (comprising sitting and lying) was determined. Also, in-depth analyses were performed to determine the accumulation and distribution of PA and SB throughout the day. Binary time series were created to determine the mean bout length and the fragmentation index. Measures of PA and SB in persons with a-SAH were compared to those in sex- and age-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

The 51 participants comprised 33 persons with a-SAH and 18 controls. None of the participants had signs of paresis or spasticity. Persons with a-SAH spent 105 min/24 h being physically active, which was 35 min/24 h less than healthy controls (p = 0.005). For PA, compared with healthy controls, the mean bout length was shorter in those with a-SAH (12.0 vs. 13.5 s, p = 0.006) and the fragmentation index was higher (0.053 vs. 0.041, p < 0.001). Total sedentary time during waking hours showed no significant difference between groups (514 min vs. 474 min, p = 0.291). For SB, the mean bout length was longer in persons with a-SAH (122.3 vs. 80.5 s, p = 0.024), whereas there was no difference in fragmentation index between groups (0.0032 vs 0.0036, p = 0.396).

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with a-SAH are less physically active, they break PA time into shorter periods, and SB periods last longer compared to healthy controls. Since inactive lifestyles and prolonged uninterrupted periods of SB are independent risk factors for poor cardiovascular health, interventions seem necessary and should target both PA and SB.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Dutch registry number: NTR 2085.

Pituitary Dysfunction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been precisely determined, and conflicting results have been reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the prevalence of pituitary insufficiency after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to focus on basal serum and dynamic test differences.

METHODS

The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction was quantified at 3 to 6 months and >6 months after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Proportions were transformed with the logit transformation. A subgroup analysis was performed focusing on the differences in outcome between basal serum and dynamic tests for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence of hypopituitarism differed considerably between studies, ranging from 0.05 to 0.45 in studies performed between 3 and 6 months after the event and from 0 to 0.55 in long-term studies (>6 months), with pooled frequencies of 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.43) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.16-0.36), respectively. Pooled frequency of GHD at 3 to 6 months was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08-0.24). At >6 months, GHD prevalence was 0.19 (95% CI: 0.13-0.26) overall, but ranged from 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06-0.33) with the insulin tolerance test to 0.25 (95% CI: 0.15-0.36) using the growth hormone releasing hormone + arginine test.

CONCLUSION

Hypopituitarism is a common complication in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with GHD being the most prevalent diagnosis. We showed that variations in prevalence rates in the literature are partly due to methodological differences among pituitary function tests.

ABBREVIATIONS

ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormoneaSAH, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhageGHD, growth hormone deficiencyGHRH, growth hormone-releasing hormoneGST, glucagon stimulation testIGF, insulin-like growth factor 1ITT, insulin tolerance testSAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A Propensity Score Analysis of the Impact of Dexamethasone Use on Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Poor Functional Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

An inflammatory response occurs after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and predicts poor outcomes. Glucocorticoids suppress inflammation and promote fluid retention. Dexamethasone is often administered after aSAH for postoperative cerebral edema and refractory headache. Our objective was to examine the impact of dexamethasone use on functional outcomes and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aSAH.

METHODS

Patients with aSAH admitted between 2010 and 2015 were included; the data source was a single-center subarachnoid hemorrhage registry. The intervention of interest was a dexamethasone taper used <7 days from ictus. The primary outcome was poor discharge functional outcome, with a modified Rankin Scale score >3. Other outcomes included DCI and infection. A propensity score for use of dexamethasone was calculated using a logistic regression model that included potential predictors of dexamethasone use and outcome. The impact of dexamethasone on outcomes of interest was calculated and the propensity score was controlled for.

RESULTS

A total of 440 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were admitted during the study period and 309 met eligibility criteria. Dexamethasone was administered in 101 patients (33%). A total of 127 patients (41%) had a discharge modified Rankin Scale score >3, 105 (34%) developed DCI, and 94 (30%) developed an infection. After propensity score analysis, dexamethasone use was associated with a significant reduction in poor functional outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.66) but showed no significant association with DCI (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.53-1.64) or infection (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.34-1.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone use after aSAH was associated with a reduction in poor functional outcomes at discharge but not DCI, controlling for predictors of dexamethasone use.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Update

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a debilitating, although uncommon, type of stroke with high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. Modern 30-day mortality is as high as 40%, and about 50% of survivors have permanent disability. Care at high-volume centers with dedicated neurointensive care units is recommended. Euvolemia, not hypervolemia, should be targeted, and the aneurysm should be secured early. Neither statin therapy nor magnesium infusions should be initiated for delayed cerebral ischemia. Cerebral vasospasm is just one component of delayed cerebral edema. Hyponatremia is common in subarachnoid hemorrhage and is associated with longer length of stay, but not increased mortality.

Pituitary function within the first year after traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid haemorrhage

PURPOSE

Reports on long-term variations in pituitary function after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) diverge. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence and changes in pituitary function during the first year after moderate and severe TBI and SAH and to explore the relation between pituitary function and injury variables.

METHODS

Adults with moderate and severe TBI or SAH were evaluated at 10 days, 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury/illness. Demographic, clinical, radiological, laboratory, including hormonal data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 91 adults, 56 (15 women/41 men) with TBI and 35 (27 women/8 men) with SAH were included. Perturbations in pituitary function were frequent early after the event but declined during the first year of follow-up. The most frequent deficiency was hypogonadotrope hypogonadism which was seen in approximately 25 % of the patients. Most of the variations were transient and without clinical significance. At 12 months, two patients were on replacement with hydrocortisone, four men on testosterone and one man on replacement with growth hormone. No relations were seen between hormonal levels and injury variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Perturbations in pituitary function continue to occur during the first year after TBI and SAH, but only a few patients need replacement therapy. Our study could not identify a marker of increased risk of pituitary dysfunction that could guide routine screening. However, data demonstrate the need for systematic follow-up of pituitary function after moderate or severe TBI or SAH.

Etiology of Hypopituitarism in Adult Patients: The Experience of a Single Center Database in the Serbian Population

There are only a few published studies related to the population-based etiology of hypopituitarism. New risks for developing hypopituitarism have been recognized in the last 10 years. Aim. To present data regarding the etiology of hypopituitarism collected in a tertiary center over the last decade. This is a cross-sectional database study. Patients and Methods. We included 512 patients (pts) with hypopituitarism, with a mean age of 45.9 ± 1.7 yrs (range: 18-82; male: 57.9%). Results. Nonfunctional pituitary adenomas were presented in 205 pts (40.5%), congenital causes in 74 pts (14.6%), while acromegaly and prolactinomas were presented in 37 (7.2%) and 36 (7.0%) patients, respectively. Craniopharyngiomas were detected in 30 pts (5.9%), and head trauma due to trauma brain injury-TBI and subarachnoid hemorrhage-SAH in 27 pts (5.4%). Survivors of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and those with previous cranial irradiation were presented in the same frequency (18 pts, 3.5% each). Conclusion. The most common causes of hypopituitarism in our database are pituitary adenomas. Increased awareness of the other causes of pituitary dysfunction, such as congenital, head trauma, extrapituitary cranial irradiation, and infections, is the reason for a higher frequency of these etiologies of hypopituitarism in the presented database.

The six-minute walk test predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) established during progressive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the "gold-standard" for cardiorespiratory fitness. However, CPET measurements may be limited in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) by disease-related complaints, such as cardiovascular health-risks or anxiety. Furthermore, CPET with gas-exchange analyses require specialized knowledge and infrastructure with limited availability in most rehabilitation facilities.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether an easy-to-administer six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a valid clinical alternative to progressive CPET in order to predict VO_2peak in individuals with a-SAH.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients performed the 6MWT and CPET with gas-exchange analyses on a cycle ergometer. Univariate and multivariate regression models were made to investigate the predictability of VO_2peak from the six-minute walk distance (6MWD).

RESULTS

Univariate regression showed that the 6MWD was strongly related to VO_2peak (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), with an explained variance of 56% and a prediction error of 4.12 ml/kg/min, representing 18% of mean VO_2peak. Adding age and sex to an extended multivariate regression model improved this relationship (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), with an explained variance of 67% and a prediction error of 3.67 ml/kg/min corresponding to 16% of mean VO_2peak.

CONCLUSIONS

The 6MWT is an easy-to-administer submaximal exercise test that can be selected to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness at an aggregated level, in groups of patients with a-SAH, which may help to evaluate interventions in a clinical or research setting. However, the relatively large prediction error does not allow for an accurate prediction in individual patients.

Clinical prevalence and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Pituitary dysfunction is reported to be a common complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this meta-analysis is to analyze the literature on clinical prevalence, risk factors and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH, and to assess the possible need for pituitary screening in aSAH patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis based on a comprehensive search of four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar).

RESULTS

A total of 20 papers met criteria for inclusion. The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction in the acute phase (within the first 6 months after aSAH) was 49.30 % (95 % CI 41.6-56.9), decreasing in the chronic phase (after 6 months from aSAH) to 25.6 % (95 % CI 18.0-35.1). Abnormalities in basal hormonal levels were more frequent when compared to induction tests, and the prevalence of a single pituitary hormone dysregulation was more frequent than multiple pituitary hormone dysregulation. Increasing age was associated with a lower prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in the acute phase, and surgical treatment of the aneurysm (clipping) was related to a higher prevalence of single hormone dysfunction. The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction did not correlate with the outcome of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroendocrine dysfunction is common after aSAH, but these abnormalities have not been shown to consistently impact outcome in the data available. There is a need for well-designed prospective studies to more precisely assess the incidence, clinical course, and outcome impact of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH.

The effect of hypopituitarism on fatigue after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often complain of fatigue, which is disabling. Fatigue is also a common symptom of pituitary dysfunction (PD), in particular in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). A possible association between fatigue after SAH and long-term pituitary deficiency in SAH survivors has not yet been established.

METHODS

A single center observational study was conducted amongst 84 aneurysmal SAH survivors to study the relationship between PD and fatigue over time after SAH, using mixed model analysis. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale and its relationships with other clinical variables were studied.

RESULTS

Three-quarters of respondents (76%) have pathological fatigue directly after SAH and almost two-thirds (60%) of patients still have pathological levels of fatigue after 14 months. The severity of SAH measured with a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score higher than 1 (P = 0.008) was associated with long-term fatigue. There is no statistically significant effect of PD (P = 0.8) or GHD (P = 0.23) on fatigue in SAH survivors over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is a common symptom amongst SAH survivors. WFNS is a usable clinical determinant of fatigue in SAH survivors. Neither PD nor GHD has a significant effect on long-term fatigue after SAH.

Reduced Quality of Life in Patients with Pituitary Dysfunction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary dysfunction (PD) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been demonstrated in several studies. Given the similarities between psychological symptoms and reduced quality of life (QoL) in patients with PD and fatigue commonly seen in patients after SAH, we investigated the relationship between QoL and PD after SAH.

METHODS

There were 51 patients with aneurysmal SAH prospectively recruited and evaluated for health-related QoL using the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Evaluations were conducted 3-6 months (n = 45), 6-12 months (n = 44), and 12-24 months (n = 44) after SAH, with concomitant assessment of endocrine function. The study protocol also included a magnetic resonance imaging examination 3 months after SAH.

RESULTS

Mean general well-being scores showed a positive trend from 97.3 at 3-6 months to 104.3 at 12-24 months for all patients. Multiple regression analysis identified age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, and PD as independent predictors for general well-being. Patients with PD had significantly lower scores compared with patients with normal pituitary function at 3-6 months (85.4 vs. 101.7) and 6-12 months (90.4 vs. 105.3). This result was due to central hypoadrenalism (score 81.6 at 3-6 months and score 82.2 at 6-12 months) but not other types of PD. The extent of magnetic resonance imaging lesions had a significant negative correlation to Glasgow Outcome Scale score at all follow-up evaluations. All patients with hypothalamic magnetic resonance imaging lesions had evidence of PD at some point during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support PD, and central hypoadrenalism in particular, as a contributing factor for impaired health-related QoL in patients after SAH.

Hyponatremia in Neurotrauma: The Role of Vasopressin

Hyponatremia is frequent in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or following intracranial procedures, with approximately 20% having a decreased serum sodium concentration to <125 mmol/L. The pathophysiology of hyponatremia in neurotrauma is not completely understood, but in large part is explained by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The abnormal water and/or sodium handling creates an osmotic gradient promoting the shift of water into brain cells, thereby worsening cerebral edema and precipitating neurological deterioration. Unless hyponatremia is corrected promptly and effectively, morbidity and mortality increases through seizures, elevations in intracranial pressure, and/or herniation. The excess mortality in patients with severe hyponatremia (<125 mmol/L) extends beyond the time frame of hospital admission, with a reported mortality of 20% in hospital and 45% within 6 months of follow-up. Current options for the management of hyponatremia include fluid restriction, hypertonic saline, mineralocorticoids, and osmotic diuretics. However, the recent development of vasopressin receptor antagonists provides a more physiological tool for the management of excess water retention and consequent hyponatremia, such as occurs in SIADH. This review summarizes the existing literature on the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of hyponatremia in the setting of neurotrauma.