The neuroendocrine sequelae of paediatric craniopharyngioma: a 40-year meta-data analysis of 185 cases from three UK centres.

OBJECTIVES: The management of paediatric craniopharyngiomas was traditionally complete resection (CR), with better reported tumour control compared to that by partial resection (PR) or limited surgery (LS). The subsequent shift towards hypothalamic sparing, conservative surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) to any residual tumour aimed at reducing neuroendocrine morbidity, has not been systematically studied. Hence, we reviewed the sequelae of differing management strategies in paediatric craniopharyngioma across three UK tertiary centres over four decades. METHODS: Meta-data was retrospectively reviewed over two periods before (1973-2000 (Group A: n = 100)) and after (1998-2011 (Group B: n = 85)) the introduction of the conservative strategy at each centre. RESULTS: Patients had CR (A: 34% and B: 19%), PR (A: 48% and B: 46%) or LS (A: 16% and B: 34%), with trends reflecting the change in surgical approach over time. Overall recurrence rates between the two periods did not change (A: 38% vs B: 32%). More patients received RT in B than A, but recurrence rates were similar: for A, 28% patients received RT with 9 recurrences (32%); for B, 62% received RT with 14 recurrences (26%). However, rates of diabetes insipidus (P = 0.04), gonadotrophin deficiency (P < 0.001) and panhypopituitarism (P = 0.001) were lower in B than those in A. In contrast, post-operative obesity (BMI SDS >+2.0) (P = 0.4) and hypothalamic (P = 0.1) and visual (P = 0.3) morbidity rates were unchanged. CONCLUSION: The shift towards more conservative surgery has reduced the prevalence of hormone deficiencies, including diabetes insipidus, which can be life threatening. However, it has not been associated with reduced hypothalamic and visual morbidities, which remain a significant challenge. More effective targeted therapies are necessary to improve outcomes.

Reduced Glycemic Variability in Diazoxide-Responsive Children with Congenital Hyperinsulinism Using Supplemental Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; A Pilot Trial with MaxEPA(R.).

OBJECTIVE: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare condition of hypoglycemia where therapeutic options are limited and often complicated by side-effects. Omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which can suppress cardiac myocyte electrical activity, may also reduce ion channel activity in insulin-secreting cells. PUFA supplements in combination with standard medical treatment may improve glucose profile and may reduce glycemic variability in diazoxide-responsive CHI. DESIGN: Open label pilot trial with MaxEPA(R) liquid (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid) PUFA (3 ml/day for 21 days) in diazoxide-responsive CHI patients (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/, EudraCT number 201100363333). METHODS: Glucose levels were monitored pre-treatment, end of treatment, and at follow-up by subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) in 13 patients (7 girls) who received PUFA. Outcome measures were an improved glucose profile, reduced glycemic variability quantified by a reduction in the frequency of glucose levels <4 and >10 mmol/l, and safety of PUFA. All children were analyzed either as intention to treat (n = 13) or as per protocol (n = 7). RESULTS: Mean (%) CGMS glucose levels increased by 0.1 mmol/l (2%) in intention to treat and by 0.4 mmol/l (8%) in per protocol analysis (n = 7). The frequency of CGMS <4 mmol/l was significantly less at the end of treatment than in the pre-treatment period [556 (7%) vs. 749 (10%)]. Similarly, the frequency of CGMS >10 mmol/l, was also less at the end of treatment [27 (0.3%) vs. 49 (0.7%)]. Except for one child with increased LDL cholesterol, all safety parameters were normal. CONCLUSION: MaxEPA(R) was safe and reduced glycemic variability, but did not increase glucose profiles significantly in diazoxide-responsive CHI. The supplemental value of PUFA should be evaluated in a comprehensive clinical trial.