Dexamphetamine use for management of obesity and hypersomnolence following hypothalamic injury

Special considerations for the child with obesity: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) clinical practice statement (CPS) 2024

Background

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) details assessment and management of the child with overweight or obesity. The term "child" is defined as the child between 2 and 12 years of age. Because children are in a continual state of development during this age range, we will specify when our discussion applies to subsets within this age range. For the purposes of this CPS, we will use the following definitions: overweight in the child is a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th and <95th percentile, obesity in the child is a BMI ≥95th percentile, and severe obesity is a BMI ≥120% of the 95th percentile.

Methods

The information and clinical guidance in this OMA Clinical Practice Statement are based on scientific evidence, supported by medical literature, and derived from the clinical perspectives of the authors.

Results

This OMA Clinical Practice Statement provides an overview of prevalence of disease in this population, reviews precocious puberty in the child with obesity, discusses the current and evolving landscape of the use of anti-obesity medications in children in this age range, discusses the child with obesity and special health care needs, and reviews hypothalamic obesity in the child.

Conclusions

This OMA Clinical Practice Statement on the child with obesity is an evidence based review of the literature and an overview of current recommendations. This CPS is intended to provide a roadmap to the improvement of the health of children with obesity, especially those with metabolic, physiological, psychological complications and/or special healthcare needs. This CPS addresses treatment recommendations and is designed to help the clinician with clinical decision making.

Long-term weight gain in children with craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma mainly affects children. Excessive weight gain is a major long-term complication. The primary objective of this study was to assess long-term weight changes in children treated for craniopharyngioma. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for excessive weight gain and to look for associations with hypothalamic damage by the tumour or treatment.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective cohort study.

METHOD

Children managed for craniopharyngioma at our centre between 1990 and 2019 were included. The body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) at baseline and at last follow-up were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify variables associated with the long-term BMI-SDS variation.

RESULTS

The 108 patients had a mean follow-up of 10.4 years. The mean BMI-SDS increase over time was 2.11 (P < .001) overall, 1.21 (P < .001) in the group without hypothalamic involvement by the tumour, and 1.95 (P < .001) in the group managed using intended hypothalamus-sparing surgery. The absence of hypothalamic involvement by the tumour or treatment was significantly associated with less weight gain (P = .046 and P < .01, respectively). After adjustment, factors associated with a BMI-SDS change greater than 2 were female sex (P = .023), tumour involving the hypothalamus (P = .04), and higher baseline BMI (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Clinically significant weight gain occurred in nearly all children treated for craniopharyngioma, including those whose hypothalamus was spared by the tumour and intentionally by treatment. However, hypothalamus integrity was associated with less weight gain. Despite hypothalamus-sparing strategies, hypothalamic obesity remains a major concern, indicating a need for novel treatment approaches.

Acquired hypothalamic obesity: A clinical overview and update

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a rare and complex disorder that confers substantial morbidity and excess mortality. HO is a unique subtype of obesity characterized by impairment in the key brain pathways that regulate energy intake and expenditure, autonomic nervous system function, and peripheral hormonal signalling. HO often occurs in the context of hypothalamic syndrome, a constellation of symptoms that follow from disruption of hypothalamic functions, for example, temperature regulation, sleep-wake circadian control, and energy balance. Genetic forms of HO, including the monogenic obesity syndromes, often impact central leptin-melanocortin pathways. Acquired forms of HO occur as a result of tumours impacting the hypothalamus, such as craniopharyngioma, surgery or radiation to treat those tumours, or other forms of hypothalamic damage, such as brain injury impacting the region. Risk for severe obesity following hypothalamic injury is increased with larger extent of hypothalamic damage or lesions that contain the medial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei that support melanocortin signalling pathways. Structural damage in these hypothalamic nuclei often leads to hyperphagia, central insulin and leptin resistance, decreased sympathetic activity, low energy expenditure, and increased energy storage in adipose tissue, the collective effect of which is rapid weight gain. Individuals with hyperphagia are perpetually hungry. They do not experience fullness at the end of a meal, nor do they feel satiated after meals, leading them to consume larger and more frequent meals. To date, most efforts to treat HO have been disappointing and met with limited, if any, long-term success. However, new treatments based on the distinct pathophysiology of disturbed energy homeostasis in acquired HO may hold promise for the future.

Treatment of hypothalamic obesity in people with hypothalamic injury: new drugs are on the horizon

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a complex and rare disorder affecting multiple regulatory pathways of energy intake and expenditure in the brain as well as the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and peripheral hormonal signaling. It can be related to monogenic obesity syndromes which often affect the central leptin-melanocortin pathways or due to injury of the hypothalamus from pituitary and hypothalamic tumors, such as craniopharyngioma, surgery, trauma, or radiation to the hypothalamus. Traditional treatments of obesity, such as lifestyle intervention and specific diets, are still a therapeutic cornerstone, but often fail to result in meaningful and sustained reduction of body mass index. This review will give an update on pharmacotherapies of HO related to hypothalamic injury. Recent obesity drug developments are promising for successful obesity intervention outcomes.

National UK guidelines for the management of paediatric craniopharyngioma

Although rare, craniopharyngiomas constitute up to 80% of tumours in the hypothalamic-pituitary region in childhood. Despite being benign, the close proximity of these tumours to the visual pathways, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland means that both treatment of the tumour and the tumour itself can cause pronounced long-term neuroendocrine morbidity against a background of high overall survival. To date, the optimal management strategy for these tumours remains undefined, with practice varying between centres. In light of these discrepancies, as part of a national endeavour to create evidence-based and consensus-based guidance for the management of rare paediatric endocrine tumours in the UK, we aimed to develop guidelines, which are presented in this Review. These guidelines were developed under the auspices of the UK Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, with the oversight and endorsement of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II methodology to standardise care for children and young people with craniopharyngiomas.

Approach to the Patient With Hypothalamic Obesity

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is defined as abnormal weight gain due to physical destruction of the hypothalamus. Suprasellar tumors, most commonly craniopharyngiomas, are a classic cause of HO. HO often goes unnoticed initially as patients, families, and medical teams are focused on oncologic treatments and management of panhypopituitarism. HO is characterized by rapid weight gain in the first year after hypothalamic destruction followed by refractory obesity due to an energy imbalance of decreased energy expenditure without decreased food intake. Currently available pharmacotherapies are less effective in HO than in common obesity. While not a cure, dietary interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery can mitigate the effects of HO. Early recognition of HO is necessary to give an opportunity to intervene before substantial weight gain occurs. Our goal for this article is to review the pathophysiology of HO and to discuss available treatment options and future directions for prevention and treatment.

Quality of Life in Craniopharyngioma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Craniopharyngiomas are morbid tumors that significantly reduce patients' quality of life (QoL). The lifelong burden of endocrine, visual, hypothalamic, and limbic dysfunction can have disastrous consequences for the physical and psychosocial health of patients. Elucidating the factors that influence QoL could guide therapeutic interventions to improve patient well-being.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using the PubMed and Medline databases. Studies that had reported patient QoL using validated metrics in both adult and pediatric populations were included. Bias and methodological rigor were assessed using the MINORS (methodological index for nonrandomized studies) criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies, including 2025 patients, were available for review. Most studies were small, retrospective, cohort studies with a high risk of bias. The QoL of the patients with craniopharyngioma was lower than that of the general population. Hypothalamic involvement was consistently the strongest predictor of QoL. Endocrinopathy contributed to morbidity but could be ameliorated by hormone replacement therapy. Social and emotional dysregulation and a poor memory are common complaints after surgery, and iatrogenic damage to the infundibulum, hypothalamus, limbic system, and frontal lobes might underlie these concerns. Sleep-wake cycle dysfunction and hypothalamic obesity are serious consequences of hypothalamic damage.

CONCLUSIONS

An experienced multidisciplinary team is necessary to optimally manage the complex cases of these patients. The poor QoL of patients with craniopharyngioma is multifactorial. However, the contribution of iatrogenesis is not insubstantial. Improved surgical techniques, focusing on hypothalamic preservation, and adjuvant treatment options are required to improve the well-being of these patients.

Sleep Disturbances in Pediatric Craniopharyngioma: A Systematic Review

Craniopharyngiomas are rare brain tumors of the sellar region and are the most common non-neuroepithelial intracerebral neoplasm in children. Despite a low-grade histologic classification, craniopharyngiomas can have a severe clinical course due to hypothalamic involvement. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating vital functions, and it is a critical component of the sleep-wake regulatory system. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on sleep disorders in patients with craniopharyngioma to unravel their underlying mechanisms and identify possible therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive electronic literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA^® statement. Extensively published, peer-reviewed articles involving patients with childhood craniopharyngioma and focused on this specific topic were considered eligible for inclusion. Thirty-two articles were included; a high prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was reported in CP patients, with wide variability (25–100%) depending on the diagnostic method of detection (25–43% by subjective measures, 50–100% by objective investigations). In particular, secondary narcolepsy was reported in 14–35%, sleep-disordered breathing in 4–46%. Moreover, sleep-wake rhythm dysregulation has been notified, although no prevalence data are available. Possible mechanisms underlying these disorders are discussed, including hypothalamic injury, damage to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, low melatonin levels, hypocretin deficiency, and hypothalamic obesity. The diagnosis and management of sleep disorders and associated comorbidities are challenging. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of sleep disorders in childhood-onset CP and the main treatment options. Finally, a possible diagnostic algorithm in order to accurately identify and treat sleep disorders in these patients is proposed.

Hypothalamic syndrome

Hypothalamic syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder caused by disease-related and/or treatment-related injury to the hypothalamus, most commonly associated with rare, non-cancerous parasellar masses, such as craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumours, gliomas, cysts of Rathke's pouch and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as with genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia. HS is characterized by intractable weight gain associated with severe morbid obesity, multiple endocrine abnormalities and memory impairment, attention deficit and reduced impulse control as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Currently, there is no cure for this condition but treatments for general obesity are often used in patients with HS, including surgery, medication and counselling. However, these are mostly ineffective and no medications that are specifically approved for the treatment of HS are available. Specific challenges in HS are because the syndrome represents an adverse effect of different diseases, and that diagnostic criteria, aetiology, pathogenesis and management of HS are not completely defined.

Sleep Disorders in Patients With Craniopharyngioma: A Physiopathological and Practical Update

Sleep disorders (SDs) represent an important issue in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP). Nearly 70% of these patients complain of sleep-wake cycle alterations and/or excessive diurnal somnolence due to sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and/or central hypersomnia, including secondary narcolepsy. SDs may severely reduce quality of life, increase disease-related cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, and finally play a major role in increased long-term mortality reported on patients with CP. A major risk factor for SDs is represented by the hypothalamic syndrome, which may develop because of direct hypothalamic damage by the tumor itself and/or complications of the treatments, neurosurgery and/or radiotherapy, and typically includes permanent neuroendocrine dysfunctions, morbid obesity, and secondary metabolic disorders. Despite increasing attention to SDs in the general population, and in particular to OSA as a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases and excessive daytime somnolence, sleep evaluation is still not routinely proposed to patients with CP. Hence, SDs are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this paper is to update current knowledge of the pathogenesis and prevalence of SDs in patients with CP and propose practical algorithms for their evaluation and management in clinical practice. Particular attention is paid to screening and diagnostic tools for appropriate characterization of SDs, identification of risk factors, and potential role of hypothalamic sparing surgery in the prevention of morbid obesity and SDs. Available tools in sleep medicine, including lifestyle interventions, drugs, and respiratory devices, are discussed, as well as the importance of optimal hormone replacement and metabolic interventions. Current limits in the diagnosis and treatment of SDs in patients with CP and possible future avenues for research agenda are also considered.

Dextroamphetamine Treatment in Children With Hypothalamic Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) in children has severe health consequences. Lifestyle interventions are mostly insufficient and currently no drug treatment is approved for children with HO. Amphetamines are known for their stimulant side-effect on resting energy expenditure (REE) and suppressing of appetite. Earlier case series have shown positive effects of amphetamines on weight in children with acquired HO. We present our experiences with dextroamphetamine treatment in the, up to now, largest cohort of children with HO.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort evaluation was performed of children with HO treated with dextroamphetamine at two academic endocrine pediatric clinics. Off-label use of dextroamphetamine was initiated in patients with progressive, therapy-resistant acquired or congenital HO. Anthropometrics, REE, self-reported (hyperphagic) behavior and energy level, and side effects were assessed at start and during treatment.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with a mean age of 12.3 ± 4.0 years had been treated with dextroamphetamine. In two patients, ΔBMI SDS could not be evaluated due to short treatment duration or the simultaneous start of extensive lifestyle treatment. Mean treatment duration of the 17 evaluated patients was 23.7 ± 12.7 months. Fourteen patients (n = 10 with acquired HO, n = 4 with congenital HO) responded by BMI decline or BMI stabilization (mean ΔBMI SDS of -0.6 ± 0.8, after a mean period of 22.4 ± 10.5 months). In three patients, BMI SDS increased (mean ΔBMI SDS of +0.5 ± 0.1, after a mean period of 29.7 ± 22.6 months). In 11 responders, measured REE divided by predicted REE increased with +8.9%. Thirteen patients (68.4%) reported decreased hyperphagia, improvement of energy level and/or behavior during treatment. Two patients developed hypertension during treatment, which resulted in dosage adjustment or discontinuation of treatment. Twelve children continued treatment at last moment of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In addition to supportive lifestyle interventions, dextroamphetamine treatment may improve BMI in children with HO. Furthermore, dextroamphetamines have the potential to decrease hyperphagia and improve resting energy expenditure, behavior, and energy level. In patients with acquired HO, these effects seem to be more pronounced when compared to patients with congenital HO. Future studies are needed to support these results.

Treatment of Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity: Now and the Future

The hypothalamus is the centre of neuroendocrine regulation of energy homeostasis and appetite. Maldevelopment of, or damage to, the key hypothalamic nuclei disrupts the coordinated balance between energy intake and expenditure leading, to rapid and excessive weight gain. Hypothalamic obesity is compounded by a disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, sleep disruption, visual compromise, and neurological and vascular sequalae. Amongst suprasellar tumors, craniopharyngioma is the most common cause of acquired hypothalamic obesity, either directly or following surgical or radiotherapeutic intervention. At present, therapy is limited to strategies to manage obesity but with a modest and variable impact. Current approaches include optimizing pituitary hormone replacement, calorie restriction, increased energy expenditure through physical activity, behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Current pharmacotherapeutic approaches include stimulants that increase energy consumption, anti-diabetic agents, hypothalamic-pituitary substitution therapy, octreotide, and methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) inhibitors. Some pharmacological studies of hypothalamic obesity report weight loss or stabilization but reported intervention periods are short, and others report no effect. The impact of bariatric surgery on weight loss in hypothalamic obesity again is variable. Novel or combined approaches to manage hypothalamic obesity are thus required to achieve credible and sustained weight loss. Identifying etiological factors contributing hypothalamic obesity may lead to multi-faceted interventions targeting hyperphagia, insulin resistance, decreased energy expenditure, sleep disturbance, hypopituitarism and psychosocial morbidity. Placebo-controlled trials using current single, or combination therapies are required to determine the impact of therapeutic agents. A well-defined approach to defining the location of hypothalamic damage may support the use of future targeted therapies. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being investigated as an anorexogenic agent. Novel agents including those targeting pro-opimelanocortin-C and AgRP/NPY expressing neurons and the MC4 receptor may result in better outcomes. This article discusses the current challenges in the management of hypothalamic obesity in children and young people and future therapeutic approaches to increasing weight loss and quality of life in these patients.

Craniopharyngiomas

Craniopharyngiomas are rare epithelial tumours situated primarily in the sellar/parasellar region, occurring along the path of the craniopharyngeal duct. Whilst classed as histologically benign tumours, their unpredictable growth pattern and proximity to vital structures including the optic chiasm, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland renders them a considerable threat, with significant associated morbidity and increase in mortality. Occurring both in child and adulthood, their clinical manifestations are broad, commonly with symptoms/signs secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, raised intracranial pressure and visual compromise. They have two distinct histological subtypes (adamantinomatous and papillary), with unique patterns of age distribution, and genetic and molecular make-up. With increasing understanding of their genetic pathogenesis including BRAF V600E mutations in the papillary subtype, and β-catenin mutations in the adamantinomatous, further research provides hope for the discovery of targeted medical therapy that can exploit molecular changes occurring as a result of such alterations. Until then, primary treatment consists of surgery with or without radiotherapy, with intracystic aspiration, chemotherapy or irradiation being alternative options in selected patients. Long term management by an experienced multidisciplinary team is essential, given the breadth of complications, including hypothalamic morbidity, visual compromise, cognitive and neuropsychological sequelae and impairment to quality of life.

Childhood-onset Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are rare embryonic malformational tumors of the sellar/parasellar region, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as tumors with low-grade malignancy (WHO I). The childhood adamantinomatous subtype of craniopharyngioma is usually cystic with calcified areas. At the time of diagnosis, hypothalamic/pituitary deficits, visual disturbances, and increased intracranial pressure are major symptoms. The treatment of choice in case of favorable tumor location (without hypothalamic involvement) is complete resection. It is important to ensure that optical and hypothalamic functionality are preserved. In case of unfavorable tumor location, that is with hypothalamic involvement, a hypothalamus-sparing surgical strategy with subsequent local irradiation of residual tumor is recommended. In the further course of the disease, recurrences and progression often occur. Nevertheless, overall survival rates are high at 92%. Severe impairment of quality of life and comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, hypothalamic obesity, and neurological consequences can be observed in patients with disease- and/or treatment-related lesions of hypothalamic structures. Childhood-onset craniopharyngioma frequently manifests as a chronic disease so that patients require lifelong, continuous care by experienced multidisciplinary teams to manage clinical and quality of life consequences. For this review, a search for original articles and reviews published between 1986 and 2020 was performed in Pubmed, Science Citation Index Expanded, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search terms used were "craniopharyngioma, hypothalamus, pituitary obesity, irradiation, neurosurgery.

MRI measures of hypothalamic injury are associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment response in people with hypothalamic obesity

AIM

To evaluate whether neuroimaging-delineated regions of hypothalamic injury are associated with a differential treatment response to a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) in patients with hypothalamic obesity (HO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a prespecified secondary analysis of a randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of people aged 10-25 years with hypothalamic injury and HO randomized to the GLP-1RA exenatide once-weekly (ExQW) or placebo for 36 weeks. Subjects underwent MRI prior to enrolment and the degree of hypothalamic damage was assessed using an integrative hypothalamic lesion score (HLS). Mammillary body (MB) damage was specifically determined. The main clinical endpoints were % change in body mass index (BMI) and change in % body fat. Nested ANCOVA models including a treatment × imaging measure interaction were compared using partial F-tests to assess whether the effect of ExQW treatment differed by severity of hypothalamic damage.

RESULTS

Complete data were available in 35/42 randomized participants (placebo, n = 15; ExQW, n = 20). ExQW-treated patients with worse HLS or bilateral MB damage had greater reductions in % body fat at 36 weeks (interaction coefficient estimates for HLS: -0.9%, 95% CI -1.6% to -0.2%, p = .02; for MB damage: -7.4%, 95% CI -10.1% to -4.7%, p < .001, respectively) but not for BMI % change. Similarly, patients with more damaged and smaller MB cross-sectional areas had greater reductions in % body fat following ExQW (interaction coefficient estimate 0.3%, 95% CI 0.2%-0.4%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In people with HO, greater hypothalamic damage as determined by MRI, in particular MB injury, is associated with greater reductions in adiposity following GLP-1RA treatment.

Multidisciplinary Approach for Hypothalamic Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Preliminary Study

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is delineated by an inexorable weight gain in subjects with hypothalamic disorder (congenital or acquired). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary approach on weight trend and metabolic outcome in children and adolescents with hypothalamic disease who were overweight or obese. Thirteen patients (aged 8.1–16.1 years) received a personalized diet, accelerometer-based activity monitoring, and psychological assessment. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and serum metabolic parameters were assessed at baseline (T0) and after six months (T1). Metformin was introduced at T1 in four subjects who were then re-evaluated after six months (T2). At T1, weight gain was significantly reduced compared with T0 (0.29 ± 0.79 kg/month vs. 0.84 ± 0.55 kg/month, p = 0.03), and weight standard deviation score (SDS) and BMI SDS did not change significantly, as serum metabolic parameters. The four subjects treated with metformin showed a reduction of weight SDS and BMI SDS at T2. In conclusion, patients treated with our multidisciplinary approach showed, after 6 months, favorable results characterized by decreased weight gain and stabilization of weight SDS and BMI SDS in a condition usually characterized by inexorable weight gain. However, further analysis, larger cohorts, and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary data.

Potential Role of Dexamphetamine in the Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Hopes and Pitfalls

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of most frequent causes of chronic liver disease. Global prevalence of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with advanced fibrosis is increasing day by day. Patients with NAFLD are more susceptible to encounter cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Apart from lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, no effective pharmacotherapy is available to prevent the progression of NAFLD to NASH and advanced stages of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Dexamphetamine is the d-isomer of amphetamine, which acts by inhibiting monoamine reuptake and direct stimulation of dopamine and noradrenaline release. Presently, dexamphetamine is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, but since its use was found to be associated with weight loss, it is also now used as an off-label drug for the treatment of obesity. Direct or indirect evidence is present in the form case reports, case series and from effects of related drugs to support the potential role of dexamphetamine in NAFLD. There is an urgent need to initiate preclinical and clinical studies involving robust methodology and adequate sample sizes to explore the potential of dexamphetamine in patients with NAFLD. In this review, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of dexamphetamine for the treatment of NAFLD.

A phase 3 randomized clinical trial using a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in adolescents and young adults with hypothalamic obesity

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in patients with hypothalamic obesity (HO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A two-arm, randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 10- to 25-year-olds with hypothalamic injury following intracranial tumour and HO. Participants were randomized to once-weekly subcutaneous injections of a GLP-1 RA exenatide 2 mg (ExQW) or placebo for 36 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was 36-week % change in body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes included change in body composition (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry).

RESULTS

Forty-two participants were randomized to ExQW (n = 23) or placebo (n = 19). Participants were 5 ± 2 years (mean ± SD) postdiagnosis and development of HO (BMI 37.3 ± 7.1 kg/m² ). In intention-to-treat analysis, the effect of 36-week ExQW vs. placebo on % Δ BMI was not significant (estimated treatment difference -1.7 ± 1.8%, 95% CI -4.1 to 0.6%, P = .40); however, total body fat mass was reduced (estimated treatment difference -3.1 ± 1.4 kg, 95% CI -5.7 to -0.4 kg, P = .02). There was a significant reduction in waist circumference (estimated effect of treatment -3.5 [95% CI -5.5 to -1.6] cm, P = .004). All patients treated with placebo increased % of adipose tissue, while 50% treated with ExQW had reductions (P < .001). Mean HbA1c, glucose tolerance and serum lipids did not change significantly with therapy. ExQW was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were transient gastrointestinal disturbances (ExQW vs. placebo: nausea 6/23 vs. 3/18, vomiting 4/23 vs. 4/18 and diarrhoea 7/23 vs. 3/18).

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 RAs are a promising and safe treatment to improve or stabilize HO in children and young adults.

Management of Hypothalamic Obesity

Energy homeostasis, appetite, and satiety are modulated by a complex neuroendocrine system regulated by the hypothalamus. Dysregulation of this system resulting in hypothalamic obesity (HO) is caused by brain tumors, neurosurgery, and/or cranial irradiation. Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a paradigmatic disease with regard to the development of HO. Initial hypothalamic involvement of CP and/or treatment-related damage to hypothalamic-pituitary axes result in HO. Attempts to control HO with lifestyle interventions have not been satisfactory. No generally accepted pharmacologic or bariatric therapy for HO in CP has been effective in randomized controlled trials. Accordingly, prevention of HO is recommended.

Methylphenidate improves weight control in childhood brain tumor survivors with hypothalamic obesity

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic obesity causes unrelenting weight gain for childhood brain tumor survivors. No single therapy has proven effective for treatment. We aimed to evaluate effectiveness of long-term methylphenidate therapy on body mass index (BMI) change in children with hypothalamic obesity.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis included children with a history of brain tumor and hypothalamic obesity receiving methylphenidate (10-60 mg/day) for hypothalamic obesity. Subjects were evaluated for BMI trajectory before and after methylphenidate start. Given that z-scores can be skewed in severely obese children, we calculated BMI as a percent of the BMI at the 95th percentile for the child's age and gender (BMI% 95th).

RESULTS

Twelve patients with hypothalamic obesity completed methylphenidate therapy for at least 6 months (median 3.1 years, range 1.0-5.8 years). All subjects had a suprasellar tumor (nine [75%] with craniopharyngioma) and pituitary dysfunction. Pretreatment median BMI percent of the 95th percentile was 125.6% (interquartile range [IQR] 25-75: 115.3-138.3%) with BMI z-score of 2.4 (IQR 25-75: 2.1-2.6). Following methylphenidate treatment, there was a 69.9% reduction in the median slope of BMI change. Eleven of 12 patients (92%) had a reduction in the slope of their BMI change on methylphenidate treatment. Postmethylphenidate median BMI percent of the 95th percentile decrease to 115.2% (IQR 25-75: 103.6-121.2%) with median BMI z-score of 2.1 (IQR 25-75: 1.8-2.2). Mild side effects were noted in six patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Methylphenidate use reduced and sustained BMI change in children with hypothalamic obesity. Stimulant therapy is an effective first-line agent for treatment of hypothalamic obesity.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare embryonic malformation of the sellar/parasellar region with a low histological grade. Clinical manifestations are related to hypothalamic/pituitary deficiencies, visual impairment, and increased intracranial pressure. Recent insight into the molecular pathogenesis of CP opens new perspectives on targeted therapy in papillary CP harboring BRAF-V600E mutations. Further research to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and hopefully prevent hypothalamic involvement of CP is warranted. If the tumor is favorably localized, the therapy of choice is complete resection, with care taken to preserve the optical and hypothalamic functions. In patients with unfavorable tumor localization (i.e., hypothalamic involvement), the recommended therapy is a limited hypothalamus-sparing surgical strategy followed by local irradiation. Surgical treatment strategies should be based on a multidisciplinary approach involving experienced teams. Centralizing the treatment of CP in experienced "centers of excellence" and multicenter-based networks for reference assessments should be considered to assure a high standard of treatment quality. CP recurrence and progression are frequent. Irradiation has proven effective in reducing recurrences and progression. Proton beam therapy, available in a wider range in the near future, will help to avoid radio-oncological side effects. Anatomical involvement and/or surgical lesions of posterior hypothalamic areas can result in serious sequelae that compromise quality of life (QoL), such as hypothalamic obesity and psychopathological symptoms. Novel insights into neuropsychological sequelae after CP occurrence should be the basis for the development of therapeutic neuropsychological interventions. CP should be managed as a frequently chronic disease, providing ongoing care of pediatric and adult patients' clinical and QoL consequences by experienced multidisciplinary teams.

Diagnosis, Background, and Treatment of Hypothalamic Damage in Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are rare brain tumors managed primarily with surgery and radiotherapy. There are 2 phenotypes of CP, i.e., one with a rather good outcome without hypothalamic damage and another with hypothalamic damage. With hypothalamic damage, progressive disease with recurrent operations and additional cranial radiotherapy often result in hypothalamic obesity, an affected psychosocial life, and cognitive dysfunction. The morbidity and mortality are increased for particularly cerebrovascular diseases. Preoperative hypothalamic involvement to predict hypothalamic damage is important for decision making for hypothalamus-sparing surgery. Also a postoperative hypothalamic damage evaluation with the use of hypothalamus volume measurement can predict hypothalamic obesity, which is important for early treatment options. The morbidity of CP includes cognitive dysfunction with attention deficits and impaired episodic memory and processing speed. Again patients with hypothalamic damage are more affected. Treatment options of hypothalamic obesity in the chronic phase are scarce and not convincingly successful. The most optimal situation is to try to hinder or stop the evolution of hypothalamic obesity. Prevention of hypothalamic damage is recommended, with special regard to hypothalamus-sparing therapeutic approaches that respect the integrity of essential nuclei located in both the medial and the posterior hypothalamic areas.

Hypothalamic Obesity: Prologue and Promise

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) frequently occurs following damage to the medial hypothalamic region, encompassing the arcuate nucleus, the paraventricular nucleus, the ventromedial nucleus, the dorsomedial nucleus, and the dorsal hypothalamic area, which are critically involved in the regulation of satiety and energy balance through neural and humoral connections. HO is most commonly described in the context of craniopharyngioma and its treatment, but it can also occur following other suprasellar tumors, radiation, trauma, or a surgical insult to the hypothalamus. A constellation of loss of satiety and a reduction of the metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and physical activity as well as increased vagal tone and hyperinsulinism with insulin and leptin resistance results in rapid weight gain due to a decreased energy expenditure and increased energy storage in adipose cells. To date, no viable long-term solution for HO has been found, due either to the requirement of intact hypothalamic pathways or to significant side effects. Newer therapeutic modalities focused on the unique pathophysiology of this condition offer potential for successful treatment. In this review, we describe the etiology of HO as well as past/current treatment approaches in the categories of hyperinsulinism, surgical approaches, and targeting energy expenditure/anorectic drugs. We conclude by providing an overview of the clinical trials currently underway.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are rare malformational tumours of low histological malignancy arising along the craniopharyngeal duct. The two histological subtypes, adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), differ in genesis and age distribution. ACPs are diagnosed with a bimodal peak of incidence (5-15 years and 45-60 years), whereas PCPs are restricted to adults mainly in the fifth and sixth decades of life. ACPs are driven by somatic mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin) that affect β-catenin stability and are predominantly cystic in appearance. PCPs frequently harbour somatic BRAFV600E mutations and are typically solid tumours. Clinical manifestations due to increased intracranial pressure, visual impairment and endocrine deficiencies should prompt imaging investigations, preferentially MRI. Treatment comprises neurosurgery and radiotherapy; intracystic chemotherapy is used in monocystic ACP. Although long-term survival is high, quality of life and neuropsychological function are frequently impaired due to the close anatomical proximity to the optic chiasm, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Indeed, hypothalamic involvement and treatment-related hypothalamic lesions frequently result in hypothalamic obesity, physical fatigue and psychosocial deficits. Given the rarity of these tumours, efforts to optimize infrastructure and international collaboration should be research priorities.

Pathophysiology and Individualized Treatment of Hypothalamic Obesity Following Craniopharyngioma and Other Suprasellar Tumors: A Systematic Review

The development of hypothalamic obesity (HO) following craniopharyngioma (CP) and other suprasellar tumors leads to reduced patient quality of life. No treatment algorithms are currently available for management of HO. Depending on which hypothalamic nuclei are destroyed, the pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical symptoms that contribute to HO differ among patients. Herein, we review the contribution of the hypothalamus to the pathophysiologic mechanisms and symptoms underlying CP-associated HO. Additionally, we performed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase to identify all intervention studies for weight management in patients with CP or other suprasellar tumors published until September 2017. The search yielded 1866 publications, of which 40 were included. Of these 40 studies, we identified four modalities for intervention (i.e., lifestyle, dietary, pharmacotherapeutic, or surgical) within six clinical domains (i.e., psychosocial disorders, hyperphagia, sleep disturbances, decreased energy expenditure, hyperinsulinemia, and hypopituitarism). We used the findings from our systematic review, in addition to current knowledge on the pathophysiology of HO, to develop an evidence-based treatment algorithm for patients with HO caused by CP or other suprasellar tumors. Although the individual effects of the HO interventions were modest, beneficial individual effects may be achieved when the pathophysiologic background and correct clinical domain are considered. These two aspects can be combined in an individualized treatment algorithm with a stepwise approach for each clinical domain. Recently elucidated targets for HO intervention were also explored to improve future management of HO for patients with CP and other suprasellar tumors.

Treatment of Hypothalamic Obesity with Dextroamphetamine: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

A limited number of published case reports suggest a positive effect of dextroamphetamine, an adrenergic agonist affecting both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system, on physical activity and weight in patients with hypothalamic obesity (intractable obesity following CNS insult). Here, we present our clinical experience with dextroamphetamine treatment for hypothalamic obesity.

METHODS

The clinical course of all patients started on dextroamphetamine treatment for severe hypothalamic obesity at our institution between 2010 and 2013 is reported. Dextroamphetamine administration was initiated at a single dose of 5 mg per day and titrated to effect up to a dose of 20 mg/day. BMI z-score velocity was calculated as change in BMI z-score over standardized intervals of 12 months. Parameters of treatment success and adverse events were assessed in a standardized fashion.

RESULTS

Seven patients (2 males; mean age 17.6 years [range 12.9-24.5]) underwent individual treatment attempts with dextroamphetamine between 2010 and 2013. The primary diagnoses were craniopharyngioma (n = 4), ganglioglioma WHO I (n = 1), astrocytoma (n = 1), and neonatal meningitis (n = 1). Time from initial CNS insult to initiation of dextroamphetamine treatment averaged 5.2 years (range 2.4 months to 16.5 years). All patients demonstrated a steady increase in BMI z-score from the time of initial diagnosis until initiation of dextroamphetamine treatment. Mean baseline BMI z-score was +3.17 ± 0.93 (+1.9 to +4.4). Mean BMI z-score velocity decelerated to -0.18 ± 0.12 per year during the first year of treatment and stabilized at +0.05 ± 0.32 per year during the second year of treatment. No significant adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Dextroamphetamine treatment led to stabilization or reduction of BMI z-score in a cohort of 7 patients with hypothalamic obesity, with no adverse effects. Considering the projected increase in BMI z-score according to the natural course of the disease, these findings are promising and warrant further study.

Interventions for the Treatment of Craniopharyngioma-Related Hypothalamic Obesity: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) and their treatment are associated with hypothalamic damage that causes hypothalamic obesity (HO) in 30%-70% of cases. Thus, there is ongoing research regarding tangible solutions for HO, because these patients have unrelenting resistance to basic weight-loss interventions. This review aims to summarize the interventions that are used to treat CP-related HO (CP-HO), including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were searched up to June 2017 for relevant reports. Two reviewers conducted independent evaluations of the studies identified.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included in the systematic review, with 3 reports describing pharmacotherapy in randomized controlled trials and 15 reports describing bariatric surgery. Although several studies described effective interventions for treating CP-HO, the evidence base was limited by its low quality and our inability to perform a meta-analysis, which was related to a lack of adequate or integrated data.

CONCLUSIONS

Octreotide appears to be a preferred treatment for patients with CP-HO, based on limited data. Gastric bypass surgery may also be suitable for select patients with CP-HO, based on a review of various procedures in this setting. Microsurgical preservation of the hypothalamic structures is mandatory to decrease CP-HO-related morbidity and mortality. Further studies with adequate analytical power and sufficient follow-up are needed to identify effective strategies for CP-HO treatment.

The effectiveness of interventions to treat hypothalamic obesity in survivors of childhood brain tumours: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Survivors of childhood brain tumours (SCBT) are at risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is a major driver of cardiometabolic diseases in the general population, and interventions that tackle obesity may lower the risk of these chronic diseases. The goal of this systematic review was to summarize current evidence for the presence of interventions to manage obesity, including hypothalamic obesity, in SCBT.

METHODS

The primary outcome of this review was the body mass index z-score change from baseline to the end of the intervention and/or follow-up. Literature searches were conducted in PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Medline, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and PubMed. Two reviewers completed study evaluations independently.

RESULTS

Eleven publications were included in this systematic review (lifestyle intervention n = 2, pharmacotherapy n = 6 and bariatric surgery n = 3). While some studies demonstrated effectiveness of interventions to manage obesity in SCBT and alter markers of obesity and cardiometabolic risk, the evidence base was limited and of low quality, and studies focused on hypothalamic obesity. We conclude that there is urgent need to conduct adequately powered trials of sufficient duration, using existing and novel therapies to manage obesity, reduce the burden of cardiometabolic disorders and improve outcomes in SCBT.

Interventions for managing weight change following paediatric acquired brain injury: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review literature reporting interventions for weight change following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI).

METHOD

A systematic search of the literature was conducted using advanced search techniques. The retrieval identified 1562 papers, of which 30 were relevant. The total number of paediatric participants was 759.

RESULTS

There is a paucity of higher quality evidence to support the use of weight change interventions following paediatric ABI. Substantial variation in screening, outcome measures, intervention, and reporting were demonstrated. Some support was found for the use of hypothalamic-sparing surgery as a method to prevent obesity following craniopharyngioma resection.

INTERPRETATION

There is a need for further study in this area to inform clinical and research practice; recommendations are given.

Update on childhood craniopharyngiomas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Craniopharyngioma location impacts treatment approach. Imaging advances allow for better anatomical localization, which can help determine the best surgical plan. Recent discoveries have also led to a better understanding of craniopharyngioma development and potential treatments. This review includes publications January 2015 through March 2016 and prior key reports.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent findings confirm that third ventricular and hypothalamic involvement are associated with highest risk of hypothalamic dysfunction after surgery. Both presentation and MRI can aid in presurgical grading to try to limit development of hypothalamic obesity, somnolence, neurocognitive dysfunction, decreased quality of life, and other morbidities. Targeted therapies may also prove useful in avoiding treatment complications. In total, 14-50% of adult-onset craniopharyngioma are papillary; the majority with a mutation in exon 3 of BRAF and may respond to BRAF inhibitors and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. The remaining adult-onset and majority of childhood-onset are adamantinomatous; often with mutations in CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, leading to overactivation of the WNT signaling pathway.

SUMMARY

Significant morbidities are associated with craniopharyngioma. Targeted medical therapies are on the horizon. Until that time, the surgical approach and decision for radiation therapy should be chosen to limit long-term sequelae.

Hypothalamic Obesity in Craniopharyngioma Patients: Disturbed Energy Homeostasis Related to Extent of Hypothalamic Damage and Its Implication for Obesity Intervention

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) occurs in patients with tumors and lesions in the medial hypothalamic region. Hypothalamic dysfunction can lead to hyperinsulinemia and leptin resistance. This review is focused on HO caused by craniopharyngiomas (CP), which are the most common childhood brain tumors of nonglial origin. Despite excellent overall survival rates, CP patients have substantially reduced quality of life because of significant long-term sequelae, notably severe obesity in about 50% of patients, leading to a high rate of cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies reported that both hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure can contribute to severe obesity in HO patients. Recognized risk factors for severe obesity include large hypothalamic tumors or lesions affecting several medial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei that impact satiety signaling pathways. Structural damage in these nuclei often lead to hyperphagia, rapid weight gain, central insulin and leptin resistance, decreased sympathetic activity, low energy expenditure, and increased energy storage in adipose tissue. To date, most efforts to treat HO have shown disappointing long-term success rates. However, treatments based on the distinct pathophysiology of disturbed energy homeostasis related to CP may offer options for successful interventions in the future.

Hypothalamic obesity in children: pathophysiology to clinical management

Hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) is a complex neuroendocrine disorder caused by damage to the hypothalamus, which results in disruption of energy regulation. The key hypothalamic areas of energy regulation are the ARC (arcuate nucleus), the VMH (ventromedial hypothalamus), the PVN (paraventriculer nuclei) and the LHA (lateral hypothalamic area). These pathways can be disrupted mechanically by hypothalamic tumors, neurosurgery, inflammatory disorders, radiotherapy and trauma or functionally as such seen in genetic diseases. Rapid weight gain and severe obesity are the most striking features of HyOb and caused by hyperphagia, reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR) and decreased physical activity. HyOb is usually unresponsive to diet and exercise. Although, GLP-1 and its anologs seem to be a new agent, there is still no curative treatment. Thus, prevention is of prime importance and the clinicians should be alert and vigilant in patients at risk for development of HyOb.

Neuroendocrine Disorders in Pediatric Craniopharyngioma Patients

Childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas are partly cystic embryonic malformations of the sellar/parasellar region. The therapy of choice in patients with favorable tumor localization is complete resection with a specific focus on maintaining optical and hypothalamic neuroendocrine functions. In patients with unfavorable tumor localization (i.e., hypothalamic involvement), a limited hypothalamus-sparing surgical strategy followed by local irradiation is recommended. Involvement and/or surgical lesions of posterior hypothalamic areas cause major neuroendocrine sequelae. The overall survival rates are high (92%) but neuroendocrine disorders such as obesity and metabolic syndrome due to involvement and/or treatment-related hypothalamic lesions have major negative impact on survival and quality of life. Recurrences and progressions are frequent post-surgical events. Because irradiation is efficient in preventing tumor progression, appropriate timing of post-surgical irradiation is currently under investigation in a randomized multinational trial (KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007). Childhood-onset craniopharyngioma should be recognized as a chronic disease requiring treatment and constant monitoring of the clinical and quality of life consequences, frequently impaired due to neuroendocrine disorders, by experienced multidisciplinary teams in order to provide optimal care of surviving patients.

Craniopharyngioma

This report is a review of findings on the diagnosis, treatment, clinical course, and prognosis of craniopharyngioma patients. Craniopharyngiomas are rare, partly cystic and calcified embryonic malformations of the sellar/parasellar region with low histological grade (WHO I°). A bimodal age distribution has been shown, with peak incidence rates in childhood-onset at 5-14 years and adult-onset craniopharyngioma at 50-74 years. Clinical manifestations are related to hypothalamic/pituitary deficiencies, visual impairment, and increased intracranial pressure. If the tumor is favorably localized, the therapy of choice is complete resection, with care taken to preserve optical and hypothalamic functions. In patients with unfavorable tumor localization (i.e., hypothalamic involvement), recommended therapy is a limited hypothalamus-sparing surgical strategy followed by local irradiation. Although overall survival rates are high (92%), recurrences and progressions are frequent. Irradiation has proven effective in reducing recurrences and progression, and timing of postsurgical irradiation in childhood-onset cases is currently under investigation in a randomized multinational trial (KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007). Anatomical involvement and/or surgical lesions of posterior hypothalamic areas can result in serious quality of life-compromising sequelae such as hypothalamic obesity, psychopathological symptoms, and/or cognitive problems. It is crucial that craniopharyngioma be managed as a frequently chronic disease, providing ongoing care of pediatric and adult patients' clinical and quality of life consequences by experienced multidisciplinary teams.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are partly cystic embryogenic malformations of the sellar and parasellar region. With an overall incidence of 0.5-2.0 new cases per million population per year, approximately 30-50% of all cases represent childhood craniopharyngioma. Typical manifestations at diagnosis are some combination of headache, visual impairment, polyuria/polydypsia, growth retardation, and significant weight gain. Therapy of choice in patients with favorable tumor localization is complete resection with specific focus on maintaining functions of the optic nerve and hypothalamic-pituitary axes. In patients whose unfavorable tumor localization makes maintaining hypothalamic functionality surgically challenging, a limited resection followed by local irradiation is recommended. The overall survival rates are high (92%) but occurrences of reduced quality of life are also high. Recurrences after complete resection and progressions of residual tumor after incomplete resection are frequent postsurgical events. Because irradiation is efficient in preventing tumor progression, appropriate timing of postsurgical irradiation is currently under investigation in the randomized multinational trial KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007 that analyzes quality of life as primary endpoint. Childhood craniopharyngioma should be recognized as a chronic disease requiring constant monitoring of the clinical and quality of life consequences in order to provide optimal care of surviving patients.

Pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of hypothalamic obesity in children and adolescents

The hypothalamus plays a key role in the regulation of body weight by balancing the intake of food, energy expenditure, and body fat stores, as evidenced by the fact that most monogenic syndromes of morbid obesity result from mutations in genes expressed in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic obesity is a result of impairment in the hypothalamic regulatory centers of body weight and energy expenditure, and is caused by structural damage to the hypothalamus, radiotherapy, Prader-Willi syndrome, and mutations in the LEP, LEPR, POMC, MC4R and CART genes. The pathophysiology includes loss of sensitivity to afferent peripheral humoral signals, such as leptin, dysregulated insulin secretion, and impaired activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Dysregulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity and melatonin may also have a role in the development of hypothalamic obesity. Intervention of this complex entity requires simultaneous targeting of several mechanisms that are deranged in patients with hypothalamic obesity. Despite a great deal of theoretical understanding, effective treatment for hypothalamic obesity has not yet been developed. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that control food intake and energy homeostasis and pathophysiology of hypothalamic obesity can be the cornerstone of the development of new treatments options. Early identification of patients at-risk can relieve the severity of weight gain by the provision of dietary and behavioral modification, and antiobesity medication. This review summarizes recent advances of the pathophysiology, endocrine characteristics, and treatment strategies of hypothalamic obesity.

Hypothalamic obesity: prevalence, associations and longitudinal trends in weight in a specialist adult neuroendocrine clinic

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is highly prevalent among adults with acquired, structural hypothalamic damage. We aimed to determine hormonal and neuroanatomical variables associated with weight gain and obesity in patients following hypothalamic damage and to evaluate the impact of early instigation of weight loss measures to prevent or limit the severity of obesity in these patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of 110 adults with hypothalamic tumours attending a specialist neuroendocrine clinic. BMI was calculated at diagnosis and at last follow-up clinic visit. Endocrine data, procedures, treatments and weight loss measures were recorded and all available brain imaging reviewed.

RESULTS

At last follow-up, 82.7% of patients were overweight or heavier (BMI≥25 kg/m(2)), 57.2% were obese (BMI≥30 kg/m(2)) and 14.5% were morbidly obese (BMI≥40 kg/m(2)). Multivariate analysis revealed that use of desmopressin (odds ratio (OR)=3.5; P=0.026), GH (OR=2.7; P=0.031) and thyroxine (OR=3.0; P=0.03) was associated with development of new or worsened obesity. Neuroimaging features were not associated with weight gain. Despite proactive treatments offered in clinic in recent years (counselling, dietetic and physical activity advice, and anti-obesity medications), patients have continued to gain weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased awareness, hypothalamic obesity is difficult to prevent and to treat. Improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies and multicentre collaboration to examine efficacy of novel obesity interventions are warranted.

Hypothalamic obesity in children

Hypothalamic obesity is an intractable form of obesity syndrome that was initially described in patients with hypothalamic tumours and surgical damage. However, this definition is now expanded to include obesity developing after a variety of insults, including intracranial infections, infiltrations, trauma, vascular problems and hydrocephalus, in addition to acquired or congenital functional defects in central energy homeostasis in children with the so-called common obesity. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying hypothalamic obesity are complex and multifactorial. Weight gain results from damage to the ventromedial hypothalamus, which leads, variously, to hyperphagia, a low-resting metabolic rate; autonomic imbalance; growth hormone-, gonadotropins and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency; hypomobility; and insomnia. Hypothalamic obesity did not receive enough attention, as evidenced by rarity of studies in this group of patients. A satellite symposium was held during the European Congress of Obesity in May 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey, to discuss recent developments and concepts regarding pathophysiology and management of hypothalamic obesity in children. An international group of leading researchers presented certain aspects of the problem. This paper summarizes the highlights of this symposium. Understanding the central role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of feeding and energy metabolism will help us gain insights into the pathogenesis and management of common obesity.

Hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma: treatment approaches and the emerging role of gastric bypass surgery

Hypothalamic obesity is a potential sequela of craniopharyngioma, arising from hypothalamic damage inflicted by either the tumor and/or its treatment. The marked weight gain that characterizes this disorder appears to result from impaired sympathoadrenal activation, parasympathetic dysregulation, and other hormonal and hypothalamic disturbances that upset the balance between energy intake and expenditure. Given hypopituitarism is commonly present, careful management of hormonal deficits is important for weight control in these patients. In addition, diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy aimed at augmenting sympathetic output, controlling hyperinsulinism, and promoting weight loss have been used to treat this disease, but these measures rarely lead to sustained weight loss. While surgical interventions have not routinely been pursued, emerging data suggests that surgical weight loss interventions including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be safely and effectively used for the management of hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma.

Hypothalamic/pituitary morbidity in skull base pathology

In this article the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigation, management, and prognosis of hypopituitarism and hypothalamic dysfunction, arising from skull base pathologies and treatment of these conditions, are reviewed and discussed. The clinical question: "What is the consequence of pituitary hypofunction in young patients (ie, craniopharyngioma)?" is answered based on information provided in the review.

A novel rodent model that mimics the metabolic sequelae of obese craniopharyngioma patients

Patients with craniopharyngioma (CP), a tumor located in the pituitary and/or hypothalamus, are susceptible to developing obesity and many metabolic complications. The study aim was to create a rodent model that mimics the complex neuroanatomical and metabolic disturbances commonly seen in obese CP patients. We compared the metabolic phenotype of animals with three distinct types of hypothalamic lesions: 1) destruction of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG), 2) electrolytic lesion of the adjacent ventromedial nucleus (VMN) alone, 3) both the VMN and dorsomedial nucleus (DMN), or a 4) combined medial hypothalamic lesion (CMHL) affecting the VMN, DMN, and the ARC. Only the CMHL model exhibited all key features observed in patients with hypothalamic obesity induced by CP. These features included excessive weight gain due to increased adiposity, increased food intake, and pronounced hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia. Similar to characteristics of patients with CP, CMHL animals exhibited reduced plasma levels of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and reduced ambulatory activity compared with weight-matched controls. Therefore, the CMHL model best mimics the complex metabolic abnormalities observed in obese CP patients compared with lesions to other hypothalamic areas and provides a foundation for future pharmacological approaches to treat obesity in children with hypothalamic damage.

European guidelines on managing adverse effects of medication for ADHD

The safety of ADHD medications is not fully known. Concerns have arisen about both a lack of contemporary-standard information about medications first licensed several decades ago, and signals of possible harm arising from more recently developed medications. These relate to both relatively minor adverse effects and extremely serious issues such as sudden cardiac death and suicidality. A guidelines group of the European Network for Hyperkinetic Disorders (EUNETHYDIS) has therefore reviewed the literature, recruited renowned clinical subspecialists and consulted as a group to examine these concerns. Some of the effects examined appeared to be minimal in impact or difficult to distinguish from risk to untreated populations. However, several areas require further study to allow a more precise understanding of these risks.

Long term sequelae of pediatric craniopharyngioma - literature review and 20 years of experience

Craniopharyngioma are rare histologically benign brain tumors that develop in the pituitary-hypothalamic area. They may invade nearby anatomical structures causing significant rates of neurological, neurocognitive, and endocrinological complications including remarkable hypothalamic damage. Information regarding long term implications of the tumors and treatment in the pediatric population is accumulating, and treatment goals appear to be changing accordingly. In this review we aim to present data regarding long term complications of craniopharyngioma in children and adolescents and our experience from a large tertiary center. Hypothalamic dysfunction was noted to be the most significant complication, adversely affecting quality of life in survivors. Obesity, fatigue, and sleep disorders are the most notable manifestations of this dysfunction, and treatment is extremely difficult. Changes in management in recent years show a potential for improved long term outcomes; we found a trend toward less aggressive surgical management and increasing use of adjuvant treatment, accompanied by a decrease in complication rates.

Expanding the definition of hypothalamic obesity

Hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first defined as the significant polyphagia and weight gain that occurs after extensive suprasellar operations for excision of hypothalamic tumours. However, polyphagia and weight gain complicate other disorders related to the hypothalamus, including those that cause structural damage to the hypothalamus like tumours, trauma, radiotherapy; genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome; side effects of psychotropic drugs; and mutations in several genes involved in hypothalamic satiety signalling. Moreover, 'simple' obesity is associated with polymorphisms in several genes involved in hypothalamic weight-regulating pathways. Thus, understanding HyOb may enhance our understanding of 'simple' obesity. This review will claim that HyOb is a far wider phenomenon than hitherto understood by the narrow definition of post-surgical weight gain. It will emphasize the similarity in clinical characteristics and therapeutic approaches for HyOb, as well as its mechanisms. HyOb, regardless of its aetiology, is a result of impairment in hypothalamic regulatory centres of body weight and energy expenditure. The pathophysiology includes loss of sensitivity to afferent peripheral humoral signals, such as, leptin on the one hand and dysfunctional afferent signals, on the other hand. The most important afferent signals deranged are energy regulation by the sympathetic nervous system and regulation of insulin secretion. Dys-regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity and melatonin may also have a role in the development of HyOb. The complexity of the syndrome requires simultaneous targeting of several mechanisms that are deranged in the HyOb patient. We review the studies evaluating possible treatment strategies, including sympathomimetics, somatostatin analogues, triiodothyronine, sibutramine, and surgery.

Review of physiology, clinical manifestations, and management of hypothalamic obesity in humans

Hypothalamic injury from acquired structural damage due to infiltrative disease, tumor, or their treatment aftereffects frequently results in the development of an obesity syndrome characterized by a rapid, unrelenting weight gain that may be accompanied by severe hyperphagia. Weight gain occurs from the disruption of the normal homeostatic functioning of the hypothalamic centers responsible for controlling satiety and hunger and regulating energy balance with resulting hyperphagia, autonomic imbalance, reduction of energy expenditure, and hyperinsulinemia. Curtailment of weight increase has traditionally been refractory to usual dietary and lifestyle interventions. Pharmacotherapy targeting insulin secretion and augmenting sympathetic output have been attempted to promote weight loss or attenuate weight gain. In addition, case reports suggest that bariatric surgery may be an effective treatment option for these patients. Hormonal deficits are often present, and their management may also have consequences for weight control. Hypothalamic obesity confers significant morbidity and mortality, and there is a need for greater elucidation of its risk factors and pathogenesis so that more effective interventions can be developed.