Childhood Hypopituitarism: A Three Decades of Experience from a Major Teaching Hospital in Central Region (Riyadh) Saudi Arabia

Reem AH Al Khalifah¹, Nasir AM Al Jurayyan*¹, Rushaid NA Al Jurayyan², Mossa NA Al Motawa¹, Sharifah DA Al Issa¹ and Hessa MN Al Otaibi¹

Received: November 12, 2018;   Published: November 26, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.11.002081

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Abstract

Childhood hypopituitarism is a clinical syndrome of deficiency in pituitary hormone production. Presentation varies from asymptomatic to acute collapse depending on the etiology, rapidity of onset and predominant hormone involved. A retrospective hospital-based cohort study was conducted at the pediatric endocrine service, King Khalid University Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (January 1989-December 2017). All the patients (total of 202 patients) who were diagnosed to have hypopituitarism, at the pediatric endocrine service, King Khalid University Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (January 1989-December 2017). A total of 202 patients were diagnosed to have hypopituitarism. Mean age was 8-9years. Beside congenital causes, diversity of acquired causes were encountered with a non-tumor causes being the commonest. Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) was diagnosed in 152 (70.2%) patients. Isolated GHD in 123 patients. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was the diagnoses in 29 patients. Central adrenal insufficiency was present in 59(29.2%) patients. Diabetes insipidus associated with hypopituitarism in 24(11.9%) patients. Childhood hypopituitarism is not that rare. High index of suspension coupled with appropriate hormone assay, and head MRI are essential for management.