OBJECTIVE:

To identify the incidence of endocrine dysfunction in children following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

STUDY DESIGN:

This was a prospective evaluation of 31 children after TBI. Inclusion criteria included Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 12 and age 1.5-18 years. We evaluated thyroid function, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, and cortisol at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after injury, and assessed prolactin at 3 and 6 months. At 6 months, we also assessed overnight spontaneous growth hormone secretion, nocturnal thyrotropin surge, adrenal reserve, and serum and urine osmolarity.

RESULTS:

The average patient age was 11.6 years, and mean Glascow Coma Scale score was 6. The incidence of endocrine dysfunction was 15% at 1 month, 75% at 6 months, and 29% at 12 months. At 12 months after injury, 14% had precocious puberty, 9% had hypothyroidism, and 5% had growth hormone deficiency. Endocrine dysfunction at 1 year did not correlate with the severity of injury.

CONCLUSIONS:

Endocrine dysfunction after TBI is common in children, but most cases resolve by 1 year. We recommend endocrine surveillance at both 6 and 12 months following moderate or severe TBI to ensure early intervention for persistent or late-occurring endocrine sequelae.

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