Growth hormone deficiency and other endocrinopathies after childhood brain tumors: results from a close follow-up in a cohort of 242 patients

Purpose: Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children. The prevalence of survivors from these cancers has been increasing, presenting endocrine sequelae in more than 40% of the cases. Our aim was to characterize the endocrinopathies diagnosed in this population, exploring the outcomes of growth hormone treatment. Methods: We have performed a retrospective analysis of the survivors that were followed-up through a close protocol at our endocrine late-effects clinic. Results: 242 survivors, followed during 6.4 (0–23.4) years, were considered. The median age at tumor diagnosis was 6.7 (0–18) years and pilocytic astrocytoma was the most frequent neoplasm (33.5%). The prevalence of endocrinopathies was of 71.5%, with growth hormone deficiency being the most frequent (52.9%). An indirect correlation between the age at the beginning of somatropin and growth velocity in the first year of treatment was observed. Those treated with craniospinal radiotherapy presented a smaller final upper/lower segments ratio comparing with those that only received cranial radiotherapy. However, their final height was not compromised when compared to their family height target. We found pubertal delay in 12%; accelerated/precocious puberty in 13.2%; central and primary hypogonadism in 21.9% and 3.3%, respectively; primary and central hypothyroidism in 23.6% and 14.5%, respectively; thyroid nodules in 7.4%; ACTH deficiency in 10.3% and diabetes insipidus in 12%. Conclusion: This study reveals a higher prevalence of endocrinopathies in brain tumors survivors and explores the influence of craniospinal irradiation in the adult body proportions. It reinforces the importance of routine follow-up among survivors.