Neuroendocrine dysfunction in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury

Summary background Pituitary hormone abnormalities have been reported in up to 50% of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were investigated several months or longer following the event. The frequency of pituitary dysfunction in the early post‐TBI period is unknown. aim To evaluate the prevalence of anterior and posterior pituitary dysfunction in the early phase following TBI. subjects Fifty consecutive patients admitted to the neurosurgical unit with severe or moderate TBI [initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 3–13], and 31 matched healthy control volunteers were studied. methods The glucagon stimulation test (GST) was performed at a median of 12 days (range 7–20) following TBI. Baseline thyroid function, PRL, IGF‐1, gonadotrophins, testosterone or oestradiol, plasma sodium, plasma and urine osmolalities or the standard observed water deprivation test were performed. The control subjects underwent the GST for GH and cortisol responses; other parameters were compared to locally derived reference ranges. results Control data indicated that peak serum GH of > 5 ng/ml and cortisol > 450 nmol/l following glucagon stimulation should be taken as normal. Nine TBI patients (18%) had GH response