Are children with central nervous system (CNS) infections at risk of developing hypopituitarism?

Nasir A.M. Al–Jurrayyan; Amal A. Al–Hakami

Volume : VIII, Issue : IX, September - 2018

Are children with central nervous system (CNS) infections at risk of developing hypopituitarism?

Nasir A. M. Al Jurrayyan, Amal A. Al Hakami

Abstract :

Background

Childhood hypopituitarism is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones. This may result from disorders involving the hypothalamic–pituitary region or the surrounding structures with a diversity of causes.

Design and setting

A retrospectivehospital–based study conducted at KingKhalidUniversity Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, SaudiArabia duringthe period (January 1990 to December 2017).

Methods

Medical records ofpatients who developed hypopituitarism secondary to infectious causes were reviewed. Detailedhistory, clinical manifestations and results of laboratory and radiological investigation were obtained.

Results

During the period under review (January 1990 – December 2017), a total of 247 patients were diagnosed with variable central nervous system (CNS) infections. Only three resulted invariable pattern of hypothalamic pituitary dysfunctions, two with diabetes insipidus (DI) and one with DI and panhypopituitarism. They were atyoungage 1,6 and 8 months old.

Conclusion

Hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunctions, though very rare, may develop inpatienstwith central nervous systeminfection. Further prospective studies should be performed to determine the role of CNS infections in the etiology ofhypopituitarism.