Changes of hypothalamus-pituitary hormones in patients after total removal of craniopharyngiomas

摘要

Background This paper aimed to elucidate the changes of hypothalamus-pituitary hormones in patients after total removal of craniopharyngiomas. Methods A total of 40 patients with craniopharyngiomas received surgery. The levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropic hormone (TSH), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) were measureed in the 40 patients before surgery and one week after surgery respectively. Results Twenty-eight patients (70%) had hypothyroidism before surgery, but 38 (95%) had hypothyroidism after surgery (P<0. 01). Twenty-three patients (57. 5%) had diabetes insipidus (Dl) before surgery and 38(95%) had Dl after surgery (P<0. 001). The pre- and post-operative levels of ADH were (2.49 +-0. 30) pg/ml and (2. 80 +-0.29) pg/ml respectively (P>0. 05), whereas those of ACTH were (23. 97 +-2. 69) pg/ml and (15. 60 +-1. 91) pg/ml respectively (P<0. 05). Conclusions Hormone deficits after total removal of craniopharyngioma appear to be the common complication of surgery. Hypothyroidism and diabetes insipidus are more frequent after surgery than before surgery. Thyroxine and glucocorticoids should be administered routinely after total removal of craniopharyngioma.