Body mass index at diagnosis of a childhood brain tumor; a reflection of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction or lifestyle?

PURPOSE: Childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) are at risk of becoming overweight, which has been shown to be associated with hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction during follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis is related to BMI at follow-up. It is uncertain, however, whether aberrant BMI at brain tumor diagnosis reflects early hypothalamic dysfunction or rather reflects genetic and sociodemographic characteristics. We aimed to examine whether BMI at childhood brain tumor diagnosis is associated with HP dysfunction at diagnosis or its development during follow-up. METHODS: The association of BMI at diagnosis of a childhood brain tumor to HP dysfunction at diagnosis or during follow-up was examined in a Dutch cohort of 685 CBTS, excluding children with craniopharyngioma or a pituitary tumor. Individual patient data were retrospectively extracted from patient charts. RESULTS: Of 685 CTBS, 4.7% were underweight, 14.2% were overweight, and 3.8% were obese at diagnosis. Being overweight or obese at diagnosis was not associated with anterior pituitary deficiency or diabetes insipidus at diagnosis or during follow-up. In children with suprasellar tumors, being obese at diagnosis was associated with central precocious puberty. CONCLUSION: Overweight or obesity at diagnosis of a childhood brain tumor seems not to be associated with pituitary deficiencies. These results suggest that genetics and lifestyle may be more important etiologic factors for higher BMI at diagnosis in these children than hypothalamic dysfunction. To improve the long-term outcome of CBTS with regards to overweight and obesity, more attention should be given to lifestyle already at the time of brain tumor treatment.

Obesity status and obesity-associated gut dysbiosis effects on hypothalamic structural covariance.

BACKGROUND: Functional connectivity alterations in the lateral and medial hypothalamic networks have been associated with the development and maintenance of obesity, but the possible impact on the structural properties of these networks remains largely unexplored. Also, obesity-related gut dysbiosis may delineate specific hypothalamic alterations within obese conditions. We aim to assess the effects of obesity, and obesity and gut-dysbiosis on the structural covariance differences in hypothalamic networks, executive functioning, and depressive symptoms. METHODS: Medial (MH) and lateral (LH) hypothalamic structural covariance alterations were identified in 57 subjects with obesity compared to 47 subjects without obesity. Gut dysbiosis in the subjects with obesity was defined by the presence of high (n = 28) and low (n = 29) values in a BMI-associated microbial signature, and posthoc comparisons between these groups were used as a proxy to explore the role of obesity-related gut dysbiosis on the hypothalamic measurements, executive function, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Structural covariance alterations between the MH and the striatum, lateral prefrontal, cingulate, insula, and temporal cortices are congruent with previously functional connectivity disruptions in obesity conditions. MH structural covariance decreases encompassed postcentral parietal cortices in the subjects with obesity and gut-dysbiosis, but increases with subcortical nuclei involved in the coding food-related hedonic information in the subjects with obesity without gut-dysbiosis. Alterations for the structural covariance of the LH in the subjects with obesity and gut-dysbiosis encompassed increases with frontolimbic networks, but decreases with the lateral orbitofrontal cortex in the subjects with obesity without gut-dysbiosis. Subjects with obesity and gut dysbiosis showed higher executive dysfunction and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity-related gut dysbiosis is linked to specific structural covariance alterations in hypothalamic networks relevant to the integration of somatic-visceral information, and emotion regulation.

Risk Factors for Hypothalamic Obesity in Patients With Adult-Onset Craniopharyngioma: A Consecutive Series of 120 Cases.

Context: Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a severe complication following craniopharyngioma, but studies regarding the sequelae in adult-onset patients with craniopharyngioma are sparse. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe weight changes after surgical treatment in adult-onset craniopharyngioma patients and to analyze risk factors for postoperative weight gain and HO. Subjects and Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 120 adult-onset patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma and follow-up at the institution of the authors between January 2018 and September 2020. Clinical characteristics, anthropometric data, image features, treatment modalities, and endocrine indices were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative weight gain and HO. Results: Forty-nine (40.8%) patients had clinically meaningful weight gain (≥5%) in a median follow-up time of 12.0 months (range 1.0-41.0 months) after surgery. The mean postoperative weight gain in this subgroup was 17.59 ± 12.28 (%). Weight gain continued in the first year following surgery. Patients with lower preoperative BMI [OR 0.78, 95% CI (0.67-0.90), P = 0.001] and the adamantinomatous subtype [OR 3.46, 95% CI (1.02-11.76), P = 0.047] were more likely to experience postoperative weight gain ≥5%. The prevalence of HO was 19.2% preoperatively and increased to 29.2% at last follow-up postoperatively. Only preoperative BMI [OR 2.51, 95% CI (1.64-3.85), P < 0.001] was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative HO. Conclusions: HO is a common complication in patients with adult-onset craniopharyngioma. Patients with higher preoperative BMI had a greater risk for developing HO postoperatively.

Prevalence and risk factors of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in infant and toddler childhood brain tumor survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) are at risk to develop hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction (HPD). The risk for HPD may vary between different age groups due to maturation of the brain and differences in oncologic treatment protocols. Specific studies on HPD in infant brain tumor survivors (infant-BTS, 0-1 years at diagnosis) or toddler brain tumor survivors (toddler-BTS, ≥1-3 years) have not been performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective nationwide cohort study in CBTS was performed. Prevalence and risk factors for HPD were compared between infant-, toddler-, and older-BTS. Subgroup analysis was performed for all non-irradiated CBTS (n = 460). RESULTS: In total, 718 CBTS were included, with a median follow-up time of 7.9 years. Overall, despite the less frequent use of radiotherapy (RT) in infants, no differences in the prevalence of HPD were found between the three groups. RT (OR: 16.44; 95% CI: 8.93-30.27), suprasellar tumor location (OR: 44.76; 95% CI: 19.00-105.49), and younger age (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05-1.18) were associated with HP dysfunction. Infant-BTS and toddler-BTS showed more weight gain (P < 0.0001) and smaller height SDS (P = 0.001) during follow-up. In non-irradiated CBTS, infant-BTS and toddler-BTS were significantly more frequently diagnosed with TSH-, ACTH-, and ADH deficiency, compared to older-BTS. CONCLUSION: Infant and toddler brain tumor survivors seem to be more vulnerable to develop HP dysfunction than older children. These results emphasize the importance of special infant and toddler brain tumor treatment protocols and the need for endocrine surveillance in children treated for a brain tumor at a young age.

Under-recognized toxicities of cranial irradiation.

Cranial irradiation of primary or metastatic lesions is frequent, historically with 3D-conformal radiation therapy and now with stereotactic radiosurgery and intensity modulation. Evolution of radiotherapy technique is concomitant to systemic treatment evolution permitting long time survival. Thus, physicians have to face underestimated toxicities on long-survivor patients and unknown toxicities from combination of cranial radiotherapy to new therapeutics as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. This article proposes to develop these toxicities, without being exhaustive, to allow a better apprehension of cranial irradiation in current context.

Neuroinflammation and Hypothalamo-Pituitary Dysfunction: Focus of Traumatic Brain Injury.

The incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has increased over the last years with an important impact on public health. Many preclinical and clinical studies identified multiple and heterogeneous TBI-related pathophysiological mechanisms that are responsible for functional, cognitive, and behavioral alterations. Recent evidence has suggested that post-TBI neuroinflammation is responsible for several long-term clinical consequences, including hypopituitarism. This review aims to summarize current evidence on TBI-induced neuroinflammation and its potential role in determining hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions.

Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

BACKGROUND: Many central nervous system disorders result in hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis dysfunction. Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is usually caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 subunit of the Na+/K+ ATPase, predominantly affecting GABAergic interneurons. GABAergic interneurons and the ATP1A3 subunit are both important for function of the hypothalamus. However, whether HP dysfunction occurs in AHC and, if so, how such dysfunction manifests remains to be investigated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a cohort of 50 consecutive AHC patients for occurrence of HP related manifestations and analyzed the findings of the 6 patients, from that cohort, with such manifestations. RESULTS: Six out of 50 AHC patients manifested HP dysfunction. Three of these patients were mutation positive and 3 were mutation negative. Of the 6 patients with HP dysfunction, 3 had central precocious puberty. A fourth had short stature due to growth hormone deficiency. Two other patients had recurrent episodes of fever of unknown origin (FUO) diagnosed, after workups, as being secondary to central fever. All patients were evaluated and co-managed by pediatric neurology and endocrinology or rheumatology. CONCLUSION: AHC was associated with HP dysfunction in about 12% of patients. Awareness of such dysfunction is important for anticipatory guidance and management particularly in the case of FUO which often presents a diagnostic dilemma. Our findings are also consistent with current understandings of the underlying pathophysiology of AHC and of the HP axis.

Clinical impact of hypothalamic-pituitary disorders after conformal radiation therapy for pediatric low-grade glioma or ependymoma.

BACKGROUND: To determine the impact of hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) disorders on health outcomes in children and adolescents who received conformal radiation therapy (RT) for central nervous system tumors. PROCEDURE: Cohort study including 355 patients (age ≤25 years at diagnosis) treated with high-dose (50.4-59.4 Gy) RT using photons for low-grade glioma or ependymoma. Patients (median age, 6.4 years at RT) received systematic endocrine follow-up (median duration, 10.1 years; range, 0.1-19.6). Associations between HP disorders and adverse health outcomes were determined by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence was 37.2% for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), 17.7% for gonadotropin deficiency (LH/FSHD), 14.9% for thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency (TSHD), 10.3% for adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (ACTHD), and 12.6% for central precocious puberty (CPP). Hypothalamus mean dose ≥ 36 Gy was associated with higher odds of any deficiency. GHD was associated with short stature (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.34-5.70), low bone mineral density (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.16-10.40), and TSHD with dyslipidemia (OR 5.54; 95% CI 1.66-18.52). Patients with ACTHD and CPP had lower intelligence quotient scores, and memory scores were impaired in patients with GHD (P = 0.02). Treatment of GHD was not associated with increased risk for tumor recurrence, secondary tumors, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: HP disorders occur frequently in patients receiving high-dose RT and are related to physical and neurocognitive well-being. Future studies are needed to assess whether further optimization of endocrine management yields better health outcomes.

Craniopharyngioma treatment: an updated summary of important clinicopathological concepts.

INTRODUCTION: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign histological tumors that may develop at different positions along the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Their close, heterogenous relationship to the hypothalamus makes surgical removal challenging even though this remains the primary treatment strategy. AREAS COVERED: This article presents a critical overview of the pathological and clinical concepts regarding CPs that should be considered when planning treatment. Thus, we have performed a comprehensive review of detailed CP reports published between 1839 and 2020. EXPERT OPINION: CP surgery should pursue maximal tumor resection while minimizing the risk of injuring the hypothalamus. Therefore, surgical strategies should be individualized for each patient. Accurate assessment of presenting symptoms and preoperative MRI has proven useful to predict the type of CP-hypothalamus relationship that will be found during surgery. CPs with dense and extensive adhesions to the hypothalamus should be highly suspected when MRI shows the hypothalamus positioned around the mid-third of the tumor and an amputated upper portion of the pituitary stalk. Symptoms related to functional impairment of the infundibulo-tuberal area of the third ventricle floor, such as obesity/hyperphagia, Fröhlich's syndrome, diabetes insipidus, and/or somnolence, also indicate risky CP-hypothalamic adhesions. In these cases, limited tumor removal is strongly advocated followed by radiation therapy.

Diagnosis, Background, and Treatment of Hypothalamic Damage in Craniopharyngioma.

Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are rare brain tumors managed primarily with surgery and radiotherapy. There are 2 phenotypes of CP, i.e., one with a rather good outcome without hypothalamic damage and another with hypothalamic damage. With hypothalamic damage, progressive disease with recurrent operations and additional cranial radiotherapy often result in hypothalamic obesity, an affected psychosocial life, and cognitive dysfunction. The morbidity and mortality are increased for particularly cerebrovascular diseases. Preoperative hypothalamic involvement to predict hypothalamic damage is important for decision making for hypothalamus-sparing surgery. Also a postoperative hypothalamic damage evaluation with the use of hypothalamus volume measurement can predict hypothalamic obesity, which is important for early treatment options. The morbidity of CP includes cognitive dysfunction with attention deficits and impaired episodic memory and processing speed. Again patients with hypothalamic damage are more affected. Treatment options of hypothalamic obesity in the chronic phase are scarce and not convincingly successful. The most optimal situation is to try to hinder or stop the evolution of hypothalamic obesity. Prevention of hypothalamic damage is recommended, with special regard to hypothalamus-sparing therapeutic approaches that respect the integrity of essential nuclei located in both the medial and the posterior hypothalamic areas.

Methylphenidate improves weight control in childhood brain tumor survivors with hypothalamic obesity.

BACKGROUND: Hypothalamic obesity causes unrelenting weight gain for childhood brain tumor survivors. No single therapy has proven effective for treatment. We aimed to evaluate effectiveness of long-term methylphenidate therapy on body mass index (BMI) change in children with hypothalamic obesity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis included children with a history of brain tumor and hypothalamic obesity receiving methylphenidate (10-60 mg/day) for hypothalamic obesity. Subjects were evaluated for BMI trajectory before and after methylphenidate start. Given that z-scores can be skewed in severely obese children, we calculated BMI as a percent of the BMI at the 95th percentile for the child's age and gender (BMI% 95th). RESULTS: Twelve patients with hypothalamic obesity completed methylphenidate therapy for at least 6 months (median 3.1 years, range 1.0-5.8 years). All subjects had a suprasellar tumor (nine [75%] with craniopharyngioma) and pituitary dysfunction. Pretreatment median BMI percent of the 95th percentile was 125.6% (interquartile range [IQR] 25-75: 115.3-138.3%) with BMI z-score of 2.4 (IQR 25-75: 2.1-2.6). Following methylphenidate treatment, there was a 69.9% reduction in the median slope of BMI change. Eleven of 12 patients (92%) had a reduction in the slope of their BMI change on methylphenidate treatment. Postmethylphenidate median BMI percent of the 95th percentile decrease to 115.2% (IQR 25-75: 103.6-121.2%) with median BMI z-score of 2.1 (IQR 25-75: 1.8-2.2). Mild side effects were noted in six patients. CONCLUSIONS: Methylphenidate use reduced and sustained BMI change in children with hypothalamic obesity. Stimulant therapy is an effective first-line agent for treatment of hypothalamic obesity.

Long-term neuroendocrine consequences of traumatic brain injury and strategies for management.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are reported to cause neuroendocrine impairment with a prevalence of 15% with confirmatory testing. Pituitary dysfunction (PD) may have detrimental effects on vital parameters as well as on body composition, cardiovascular functions, cognition, and quality of life. Therefore, much effort has been made to identify predictive factors for post-TBI PD and various screening strategies have been offered.Areas covered: We searched PubMed and reviewed the recent data on clinical perspectives and long-term outcomes as well as predictive factors and screening modalities of post-TBI PD. Inconsistencies in the literature are overviewed and new areas of research are discussed.Expert opinion: Studies investigating biomarkers that will accurately predict TBI patients with a high risk of PD are generally pilot studies with a small number of participants. Anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamic antibodies, neural proteins, micro-RNAs are promising in this field. As severity of TBI has been the most commonly associated risk factor for post-TBI PD, we suggest prospective screening based on severity of head trauma until new evidence emerges. There is also a need for more studies investigating the clinical effects of hormone replacement in TBI patients with PD.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disorders in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Long-Term Health Outcomes.

CONTEXT: Data on hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) disorders in systematically evaluated childhood cancer survivors are limited. OBJECTIVE: To describe prevalence, risk factors, and associated adverse health outcomes of deficiencies in GH deficiency (GHD), TSH deficiency (TSHD), LH/FSH deficiency (LH/FSHD), and ACTH deficiency (ACTHD), and central precocious puberty (CPP). DESIGN: Retrospective with cross-sectional health outcomes analysis. SETTING: Established cohort; tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Participants (N = 3141; median age, 31.7 years) were followed for a median 24.1 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs for associations among HP disorders, tumor- and treatment-related risk factors, and health outcomes. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence was 40.2% for GHD, 11.1% for TSHD, 10.6% for LH/FSHD, 3.2% for ACTHD, and 0.9% for CPP among participants treated with HP radiotherapy (n = 1089), and 6.2% for GHD, and <1% for other HP disorders without HP radiotherapy. Clinical factors independently associated with HP disorders included HP radiotherapy (at any dose for GHD, TSHD, LH/FSHD, >30 Gy for ACTHD), alkylating agents (GHD, LH/FSHD), intrathecal chemotherapy (GHD), hydrocephalus with shunt placement (GHD, LH/FSHD), seizures (TSHD, ACTHD), and stroke (GHD, TSHD, LH/FSHD, ACTHD). Adverse health outcomes independently associated with HP disorders included short stature (GHD, TSHD), severe bone mineral density deficit (GHD, LH/FSHD), obesity (LH/FSHD), frailty (GHD), impaired physical health-related quality of life (TSHD), sexual dysfunction (LH/FSHD), impaired memory, and processing speed (GHD, TSHD). CONCLUSION: HP radiotherapy, central nervous system injury, and, to a lesser extent, chemotherapy are associated with HP disorders, which are associated with adverse health outcomes.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: case presentations and overview of literature.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a form of chronic anovulation not due to identifiable organic causes with adverse health consequences. A thorough history is paramount in the identification of women with this disorder as it is usually associated with lifestyle factors such as stress, weight loss, and excessive exercise. In this paper, recently published clinical guidelines are reviewed and a series of cases is presented that highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered.

Ephedra sinica Stapf and Gypsum Attenuates Heat-Induced Hypothalamic Inflammation in Mice.

Ephedra sinica Stapf (EH) exert toxic effects, such as excitability, cardiac arrhythmia, and others. On the contrary, in traditional herbal medicine, EH and gypsum (GF) are used most often to treat symptoms caused by external stressors. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in thermal homeostasis. Inflammatory response in the hypothalamus by thermal stressors may affect thermal and energy homeostasis. This study investigates the effect of EH and GF against heat-induced mouse model. Mice were divided into four groups: saline, saline plus heat, EH plus heat, and GF plus heat treated groups. Heat stress was fixed at 43 °C for 15 min once daily for 3 days. Weight and ear and rectal temperature measurements were made after terminating heat stress. Hypothalamus tissue was collected to evaluate the HSP70, nuclear factor kappa-Β (NF-kB), and interleukin (IL)-1ß protein expression levels. EH and GF treatment suppressed the increased body temperature. EH significantly ameliorated heat-induced body weight loss, compared to gypsum. Regulatory effects of EH and GF for body temperature and weight against heat stress were mediated by IL-1ß reduction. EH showed significant HSP70 and NF-kB inhibition against heat stress. EH and GF contribute to the inhibition of heat-induced proinflammatory factors and the promotion of hypothalamic homeostasis.

[Research Advances in Hypothalamic-pituitary Dysfunction Related to Traumatic Brain Injury].

Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is a major cause of hypothalamopituitary dysfunction. TBI-related hypothalamopituitary dysfunction is more common in the acute phase. Disturbance of pituitary/gonadal axis and growth hormone axis,as well as posterior pituitary dysfunction including central diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion,are the most frequently seen. During the chronic phase of TBI,anterior hypopituitarism is the major concern,which affects the quality of life. Risk factors for hypothalamopituitary dysfunction following TBI include low Glasgow score,high body mass index,hypoxia,older age,longer intensive care unit stay and longer coma status,radiological evidence of acute brain injury,and increased intracranial pressure. Children and adolescents are in a crucial period of growth and development,and therefore TBI-related pituitary dysfunction during this period can substantially affect the cognition and behaviors. There is currently no reliable biochemical marker predicting hypothalamopituitary dysfunctions. Therefore,it is of great importance to evaluate the pituitary function and take appropriate hormone replacement for moderate-severe TBI patients or mild TBI patients with apparent symptoms,especially for patients with water-electrolyte disturbance and adrenal deficiency. Growth hormone and gonadal hormone replacement therapies are crucial for children and adolescents.

Síndrome diencefálico en un niño con desnutrición crónica e hiperactividad / Diencephalic syndrome in a child with chronic malnutrition and hyperactivity

El síndrome diencefálico es una causa infrecuente de desnutrición. Se produce por la disfunción del hipotálamo y está asociado a tumores del encéfalo. Los pacientes presentan una grave y progresiva pérdida de peso, aunque el apetito y la ingesta calórica son, por lo general, adecuados. Característicamente, los síntomas neurológicos son tardíos, lo que retrasa la sospecha diagnóstica. Se presenta a un paciente de 2 años y 6 meses de edad con desnutrición crónica grado II, derivado con diagnóstico presuntivo de enfermedad celíaca con mala adherencia y fracaso del tratamiento. Durante la internación, se arribó al diagnóstico de síndrome diencefálico secundario a un astrocitoma pilocítico grado I.

Diencephalic syndrome is an infrequent cause of malnutrition. It is produced by a malfunctioning hypothalamus, and it is related to encephalic tumors. Patients present a serious and progressive weight loss although the appetite and calorie intake are, usually, adequate. Neurological symptoms typically have a late appearance, delaying diagnostic suspicion. We present a patient aged 2 years and a half with grade II chronic malnutrition, referred with presumptive diagnosis of celiac disease, with poor adherence and treatment failure. During hospitalization, diagnosis of diencephalic syndrome secondary to grade I pilocytic astrocytoma was reached.

[Diencephalic syndrome in a child with chronic malnutrition and hyperactivity]. / Síndrome diencefálico en un niño con desnutrición crónica e hiperactividad.

Diencephalic syndrome is an infrequent cause of malnutrition. It is produced by a malfunctioning hypothalamus, and it is related to encephalic tumors. Patients present a serious and progressive weight loss although the appetite and calorie intake are, usually, adequate. Neurological symptoms typically have a late appearance, delaying diagnostic suspicion. We present a patient aged 2 years and a half with grade II chronic malnutrition, referred with presumptive diagnosis of celiac disease, with poor adherence and treatment failure. During hospitalization, diagnosis of diencephalic syndrome secondary to grade I pilocytic astrocytoma was reached.

El síndrome diencefálico es una causa infrecuente de desnutrición. Se produce por la disfunción del hipotálamo y está asociado a tumores del encéfalo. Los pacientes presentan una grave y progresiva pérdida de peso, aunque el apetito y la ingesta calórica son, por lo general, adecuados. Característicamente, los síntomas neurológicos son tardíos, lo que retrasa la sospecha diagnóstica. Se presenta a un paciente de 2 años y 6 meses de edad con desnutrición crónica grado II, derivado con diagnóstico presuntivo de enfermedad celíaca con mala adherencia y fracaso del tratamiento. Durante la internación, se arribó al diagnóstico de síndrome diencefálico secundario a un astrocitoma pilocítico grado I.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary and Growth Disorders in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Objective: To formulate clinical practice guidelines for the endocrine treatment of hypothalamic-pituitary and growth disorders in survivors of childhood cancer. Participants: An Endocrine Society-appointed guideline writing committee of six medical experts and a methodologist. Conclusions: Due to remarkable improvements in childhood cancer treatment and supportive care during the past several decades, 5-year survival rates for childhood cancer currently are >80%. However, by virtue of their disease and its treatments, childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for a wide range of serious health conditions, including disorders of the endocrine system. Recent data indicate that 40% to 50% of survivors will develop an endocrine disorder during their lifetime. Risk factors for endocrine complications include both host (e.g., age, sex) and treatment factors (e.g., radiation). Radiation exposure to key endocrine organs (e.g., hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and gonads) places cancer survivors at the highest risk of developing an endocrine abnormality over time; these endocrinopathies can develop decades following cancer treatment, underscoring the importance of lifelong surveillance. The following guideline addresses the diagnosis and treatment of hypothalamic-pituitary and growth disorders commonly encountered in childhood cancer survivors.