Pregnancies after Childhood Craniopharyngioma: Results of KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007 and Review of the Literature

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Data on female fertility, pregnancy, and outcome of offspring after childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) are rare. <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> Observational study on pregnancy rate and offspring outcome in female CP patients recruited in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007 since 2000. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 451 CP patients (223 female) have been recruited, and 269 (133 female) were postpubertal at study. Six of 133 female CP patients (4.5%) with a median age of 14.9 years at CP diagnosis had 9 pregnancies, giving birth to 10 newborns. Three patients achieved complete surgical resections. No patient underwent postoperative irradiation. Five natural pregnancies occurred in 3 CP patients without pituitary deficiencies. Four pregnancies in 3 CP patients with hypopituitarism were achieved under assisted reproductive techniques (ART) (median 4.5 cycles, range: 3–6 cycles). Median maternal age at pregnancy was 30 years (range: 22–41 years). Six babies (60%) were delivered by caesarean section. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks (range: 34–43 weeks); median birth weight was 2,920 g (range: 2,270–3,520 g), the rate of preterm delivery was 33%. Enlargements of CP cysts occurred in 2 women during pregnancy. Other complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal period were not observed. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Pregnancies after CP are rare and were only achieved after ART in patients with hypopituitarism. Close monitoring by an experienced reproductive physician is necessary. Due to a potentially increased risk for cystic enlargement, clinical, ophthalmological, and MRI monitoring are recommended in patients at risk. Severe perinatal complications, birth defects, and postnatal morbidity of mothers and offspring were not observed.