Changes of relative pituitary hormones and their significance in adults with traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate changes of relative pituitary hormones in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the related clinical significance.Methods Quantitative analysis and dynamic observation of relative pituitary hormones were performed in 158 TBI patients by electrochemical luminescence method.Measured indices included plasma total cortisol (PTC),free triiodothyronine (lT3),free thyroxine (FT4),thyrotropin (TSH),growth hormone,follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol,testosterone,and prolactin.Results Prolactin and PTC increased in the acute phase,but gradually reduced three days after trauma.TSH,FT3,and FT4 slightly decreased after trauma,followed by a gradual return.While there were no significant changes in FSH,LH,estradiol,testosterone,and growth hormone after trauma.Changes in relative pituitary hormones were more profound in patients with a lower GCS.Some patients presented different degree of reduced hormones in recovery period and needed hormone replacement therapy.Among the patients with poor activity of daily living (ADL),lvothyroxine replacement therapy was applied in 2 patients (2/6),prednisone acetate in 1 (1/6),and eleven acid testosterone in 2 (2/6).Among patients with mild ADL,levothyroxine replacement therapy was applied in 2 patients (11％),prednisone acetate in 1 (6％),and eleven acid testosterone in 3 (17％).Among patients with good ADL,levothyroxine replacement therapy was applied in 2 patients (4％) and eleven acid testosterone in 3 (6％).Persistent prolactin elevation was found in patients with poor outcome.Conclusions Changes of relative pituitary hormones in adult patients with TBI are associated with severity and duration of trauma.Abnormal prolactin level can affect outcome of the patients.