Cohen, Laurie E.

AbstractContextPituitary lesions consistent with microadenomas are increasingly discovered by MRI. Sparse data are available on the long-term clinical and imaging course of such lesions in children.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to define the clinical and imaging course of pituitary lesions representing or possibly representing nonfunctioning microadenomas in children to guide clinical management.DesignRetrospective observational study.MethodsThe clinical data warehouse at a tertiary care academic children’s hospital was queried with the terms “pituitary” AND “microadenoma” and “pituitary” AND “incidentaloma.” The electronic health records of the identified subjects were reviewed to extract data on the clinical and imaging course.ResultsA total of 78 children had nonfunctioning pituitary lesions incidentally discovered during clinical care, of which 44 (56%) were reported as presumed or possible microadenomas. In the children with microadenoma (median age 15 years, interquartile range 2), a majority (70%) underwent imaging for nonendocrine symptoms, the most common being headache (n = 16, 36%). No significant increase in the size of the microadenoma or cysts or worsening of pituitary function was seen over the average clinical follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.6 years. Four cases of drug-induced hyperprolactinemia resolved with discontinuation of the offending medication.ConclusionsAsymptomatic pituitary lesions representing cysts, microadenomas, or possible microadenomas follow a benign course in children. In the absence of new endocrine or visual symptoms, repeat MRI may not be needed, and if performed, should be done in no less than a year. When possible, it is prudent to discontinue hyperprolactinemia-inducing medications before imaging.

Abstract Background GH deficiency (GHD) is common among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) with history of tumors, surgery, and/or radiotherapy involving the hypothalamus-pituitary region. We aimed to evaluate the effects of GH therapy (GHT) in CCSs on adult height, risk of diabetes mellitus, abnormal lipids, metabolic syndrome, quality of life, secondary tumors, and disease recurrence. Methods We searched multiple databases for randomized and observational studies. Pairs of reviewers independently selected studies and collected data. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across the studies. Results We included 29 observational studies at moderate to high risk of bias. Sixteen studies compared CCSs on GHT with those not on GHT (512 patients, GH dose: 0.3 to 0.9 IU/kg/week). GHT was significantly associated with height gain [standard deviation score, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.13] and was not significantly associated with the occurrence of secondary tumors [odds ratio (OR), 1.10; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.67] or tumor recurrence (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.02). Thirteen studies compared CCSs on GHT with normal age- or sex-matched controls or controls with idiopathic GHD or short stature. GHT was associated with either improved or unchanged risk of diabetes, lipid profiles, and metabolic syndrome. GHT was associated with improvements in quality of life. Conclusion CCSs treated with GHT gain height compared with the untreated controls. GHT may improve lipid profiles and quality of life and does not appear to increase the risk of diabetes or the development of secondary tumors, although close monitoring for such complications remains warranted due to uncertainty in the current evidence.

Abstract Objective To formulate clinical practice guidelines for the endocrine treatment of hypothalamic–pituitary and growth disorders in survivors of childhood cancer. Participants An Endocrine Society–appointed guideline writing committee of six medical experts and a methodologist. Conclusions Due to remarkable improvements in childhood cancer treatment and supportive care during the past several decades, 5-year survival rates for childhood cancer currently are >80%. However, by virtue of their disease and its treatments, childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for a wide range of serious health conditions, including disorders of the endocrine system. Recent data indicate that 40% to 50% of survivors will develop an endocrine disorder during their lifetime. Risk factors for endocrine complications include both host (e.g., age, sex) and treatment factors (e.g., radiation). Radiation exposure to key endocrine organs (e.g., hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and gonads) places cancer survivors at the highest risk of developing an endocrine abnormality over time; these endocrinopathies can develop decades following cancer treatment, underscoring the importance of lifelong surveillance. The following guideline addresses the diagnosis and treatment of hypothalamic–pituitary and growth disorders commonly encountered in childhood cancer survivors.