Traumatic brain injury induced hypopituitarism in children and adolescents

Abstract

Little is known with regard to traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced hypopituitarism in children and adolescents and this may be due to the small number of reports on the topic. This review analyzed available pediatric data. Moderate or severe trauma are the risk factors for TBI-induced hypopituitarism. TBI-induced hypopituitarism in children and adolescents is uncommon, and may be transient or evolving in time. Only panhypopituitarism is persistent. The most common deficiencies are growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiency. TBI-induced hypopituitarism may have serious outcomes on growth, pubertal development, body composition, bone and brain development and function, which all affect recovery and rehabilitation of these young people after TBI. Raising awareness is necessary and multidisciplinary protocols should emerge.