Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction After Head Injury: A Study

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction Following Traumatic Head Injury: Prospective Study in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru, Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Nurshaheda Mohd Salleh, Sharon Casilda Theophilus, Noor Azman A Rahman, Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Zamzuri Idris, Zi Han Tan, Nur Muhammad Kamil


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction Following Traumatic Head Injury: Prospective Study in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.9

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, particularly among young adults, leading to various long-term cognitive and psychological issues. In Malaysia, a significant number of head injuries have been reported, emphasizing the need for awareness of potential complications, such as hypopituitarism. Hypopituitarism, characterized by partial or total loss of hormone secretion from the pituitary gland, is commonly secondary to TBI. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction in patients with TBI and to identify the associated risk factors and impacts on quality of life.

Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction

The investigation found that 31% of the 105 traumatic head injury patients presented with chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction, highlighting the serious relevance of TBI severity and other clinical factors such as prolonged hospital stays and positive findings in radiological assessments. Notably, those with severe TBI exhibited the highest rates of dysfunction, with 47.1% affected, as opposed to 38.1% in moderate injuries. Furthermore, patients with anterior pituitary dysfunction demonstrated significantly lower quality of life scores, as measured by the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), compared to those without dysfunction. The study illuminated the importance of recognizing and managing hormonal deficiencies after TBI to improve overall patient outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypopituitarism is a prevalent and often overlooked complication following TBI, with a marked impact on patients' quality of life. Awareness of the risk factors, such as injury severity and specific brain findings, is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention. As early detection can enhance patient management and quality of life outcomes, healthcare providers must prioritize the screening for pituitary dysfunction in the aftermath of TBI, thus improving therapeutic strategies and monitoring in affected individuals.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Hypopituitarism is a condition resulting from partial or total loss of pituitary gland function, often occurring after TBI. It can lead to neurobehavioural issues and significantly impair quality of life in affected individuals.

What was the study's aim regarding TBI patients?

The study aimed to determine the incidence of chronic anterior pituitary deficiency in TBI patients, identify risk factors, and evaluate the outcomes related to chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction in terms of patients' quality of life.

How many patients experienced anterior pituitary dysfunction in the study?

Out of 105 TBI patients studied, 33 (31.4%) were found to have anterior pituitary dysfunction, indicating a notable incidence of the condition among individuals suffering from severe head injuries.

What factors are associated with chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction after TBI?

The study found that factors such as the severity of the head injury, prolonged hospital stay, presence of a base of skull fracture, and subarachnoid hemorrhage at the basal cistern were significantly associated with chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction After Head Injury: A Study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
A table in academic research consolidates data to present findings clearly and succinctly. It allows for easy comparison, visualization, and reference of key statistics or experimental results. In this study, tables summarize demographic data, clinical outcomes, and comparison analyses, enabling readers to quickly grasp results related to hypopituitarism in traumatic brain injury patients.

2) Study (Studying):
A study refers to systematic investigations undertaken to explore questions or hypotheses within a specific field. This particular study aimed to evaluate the incidence of chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction following traumatic brain injury. Research methodologies employed, such as prospective cohorts, provide vital data for understanding potential complications in TBI patients.

3) Post:
The term 'post' signifies occurrences that follow a particular event or condition. Within this context, it relates to post-traumatic conditions resulting from an injury. The focus on post-TBI complications, particularly chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction, underscores the importance of ongoing assessment and management strategies for affected patients to ensure optimal recovery.

4) Life:
In a healthcare context, 'life' typically refers to the general well-being and functionality of individuals. It encompasses physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This study assesses the impact of pituitary dysfunction on patients' quality of life, emphasizing the need for awareness and addressing life quality in people recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

5) Quality:
Quality denotes the standard of something, particularly in terms of excellence or value. In this study, it is used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among patients post-traumatic brain injury who exhibit endocrine dysfunction. Quality metrics, like the SF-36, highlight the disability and health challenges faced by these patients.

6) Male:
The term 'male' identifies the male gender in research contexts. Within the study, it indicates that a significant portion of the participants are male, which could influence outcomes relating to traumatic brain injury and hormonal dysfunction. Gender-based differences in health outcomes are important for tailored interventions and understanding risk factors.

7) Developing:
Developing signifies the process of progression or evolution toward a particular state. In this research context, it refers to patients with traumatic brain injuries who are potentially developing chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention to mitigate long-term health issues and optimize recovery outcomes.

8) Blood:
In medical research, 'blood' signifies the biological substance crucial for various bodily functions and a common medium for diagnosing diseases. Blood tests are utilized in this study to assess hormone levels indicative of anterior pituitary dysfunction, allowing clinicians to determine endocrine health post-traumatic brain injury and guide treatment decisions.

9) Pur:
The term 'poor' describes inadequate or diminished quality. In this study, it reflects outcomes related to the quality of life of patients with anterior pituitary dysfunction. Poor QoL scores, as indicated by the SF-36, underscore the significant physical and psychological impacts of chronic conditions stemming from traumatic brain injuries.

10) Rules:
Rules in a research context often refer to established guidelines or methodologies that govern how studies are conducted. They can dictate the parameters for inclusion and exclusion of participants, ensuring validity and reliability in the findings. Adhering to rules is critical for ethical and scientific integrity in clinical research.

11) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave in daily life. In the context of the study, mental health is crucial, as post-traumatic endocrine dysfunction can severely impact patients' mental health, exacerbating cognitive and emotional challenges experienced after traumatic brain injuries.

12) Science (Scientific):
The term 'scientific' relates to systematic methods of inquiry that prioritize empirical evidence, reproducibility, and objective analysis. This study utilizes scientific principles to investigate the effects of traumatic brain injury on anterior pituitary function, relying on controlled methodologies to contribute valuable insights to the field of neuroendocrinology.

13) Swelling:
Swelling refers to the increase in size of bodily parts due to fluid accumulation or inflammation. In traumatic brain injury scenarios, swelling can lead to increased intracranial pressure and is a critical factor influencing both immediate treatment and long-term outcomes, including the risk of developing hypopituitarism.

14) Measurement:
Measurement in clinical research involves quantitative or qualitative assessment of variables to determine outcomes or effects. Accurate measurement is essential in this study, as it evaluates hormone levels and the quality of life through established questionnaires, ensuring that data collected is reliable for drawing meaningful conclusions regarding patient health.

15) Discussion:
Discussion in academic literature allows researchers to interpret results, contextualizing findings within existing knowledge. This section provides an opportunity to analyze implications, identify limitations, and suggest future research avenues. The discussion here highlights the significance of chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction and its impact on recovery in traumatic brain injury patients.

16) Pregnant:
The term 'pregnant' identifies a specific biological condition relevant to reproductive health. In the context of this study, pregnant women are excluded from participation due to the potential effects of traumatic brain injury and hormonal disorders on fetal health, illustrating the need to prioritize maternal and fetal safety in clinical research.

17) Disease:
Disease refers to a particular abnormal condition affecting bodily functions and structures, often with specific symptoms and characteristics. In this study, hypopituitarism is considered a disease resulting from traumatic brain injury, emphasizing the need for recognition, diagnosis, and treatment to improve patient health outcomes post-injury.

18) Reason:
Reason specifies the rationale behind occurrences, choices, or conditions. In the context of this research, reasons for study findings may include underlying mechanisms of injury, hormonal imbalances, or socio-economic factors influencing recovery, providing a comprehensive understanding of how various elements interplay in the development of chronic anterior pituitary dysfunction.

19) Death:
In medical research, 'death' indicates the cessation of life and serves as a crucial endpoint in studies. The relevance of death in this context underscores the severe consequences of untreated traumatic brain injury, which may lead to complications, including chronic disorders and possibly increased risk of mortality in affected patients.

20) Rand:
Rand refers to the Rand Corporation, which developed the SF-36, a widely used health survey assessing quality of life. The inclusion of Rand highlights the origins of the measurement instruments used in this research, providing a standardized method to evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

21) Pain:
Pain refers to physical discomfort or suffering and is a significant factor in healthcare settings. In the context of this study, while not a primary focus, understanding associated pain in patients post-TBI can inform holistic care and recovery strategies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive pain management in conjunction with hormonal assessments.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Chronic Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction After Head Injury: A Study’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

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