ABSTRACT
Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas (CPG) have complex challenges in treatment due to their proximity to vital structures, surgical and radiotherapeutic complexities, and the tendency for recurrence. This study aims to identify the prevalence of endocrine and metabolic comorbidities observed during initial diagnosis and long-term follow-up in a nationwide cohort of pediatric CPG patients. The study also highlights the associated difficulties in their management. Methods: Sixteen centers entered 152 patients into the ÇEDD NET data system. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory characteristics at presentation, administered treatments, accompanying endocrine, metabolic, and other system involvements, and the patient's follow-up features. Results: Of the evaluated patients, 64 were female, and 88 were male. At presentation, the mean age was 9.1 ± 3.67 (min:1.46-max:16.92) years. The most common complaints at presentation were headache (68.4%), vision problems (42%), short stature (15%), nausea and vomiting (7%). The surgical procedure applied to the patients was gross total resection (GTR) in 97 cases (63.8%) and subtotal resection in 55 cases (36.2%). Radiotherapy was initiated in 11.8% of the patients. In the pathological examination, 92% of the cases were adamantinamatous type, 8% were papillary type. Postoperatively, hormone deficiencies consisted of thyroid-stimulating hormone (92.1%), adrenocorticotropic hormone (81%), antidiuretic hormone (79%), growth hormone (65.1%), and gonadotropin (43.4%) deficiencies. Recombinant growth hormone treatment (rhGH) was initiated on 27 patients. The study showed hesitancy among physicians regarding rhGH. The median survival without relapse was 2.2 years. Median time of relapse was 1.82 years (range: 0.13-10.35 years). Relapse was related to longer follow-ups and reduced GTR rates. The median follow-up time was 3.13 years. Among the last follow-up visits, the prevalence of obesity was 38%, but of these, 46.5% were already obese at diagnosis. However, 20% who were not obese at baseline became obese on follow-up. Permanent visual impairment was observed in 26 patients, neurological deficits in 13 patients, and diabetes mellitus in 5 patients. Conclusion: Recurrence was predominantly due to incomplete resection and the low rate of postoperative radiotherapy. It also emphasized challenges in multidisciplinary regular follow ups and suggested early interventions such as dietary restrictions and increased exercise to prevent obesity.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Treatment adherence is crucial for the success of growth hormone (GH) therapy. Reported nonadherence rates in GH treatment have varied widely. Several factors may have an impact on adherence. Apart from these factors, the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including problems with hospital admission and routine follow-up of patients using GH treatment, may have additionally affected the adherence rate. The primary objective of this study was to investigate adherence to treatment in patients receiving GH. In addition, potential problems with GH treatment during the pandemic were investigated. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter survey study that was sent to pediatric endocrinologists in pandemic period (June 2021-December 2021). Patient data, diagnosis, history of pituitary surgery, current GH doses, duration of GH therapy, the person administering therapy (either parent/patient), duration of missed doses, reasons for missed doses, as well as problems associated with GH therapy, and missed dose data and the causes in the recent year (after the onset of the pandemic) were queried. Treatment adherence was categorized based on missed dose rates over the past month (0 to 5%, full adherence; 5.1 to 10% moderate adherence; >10% nonadherence). Results: The study cohort consisted of 427 cases (56.2% male) from thirteen centers. Median age of diagnosis was 8.13 (0.13-16) years. Treatment indications were isolated GH deficiency (61.4%), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (14%), Turner syndrome (7.5%), idiopathic GH deficiency (7.5%), small for gestational age (2.8%), and "others" (6.8%). GH therapy was administered by parents in 70% and by patients in 30%. Mean daily dose was 32.3 mcg/kg, the annual growth rate was 1.15 SDS (min -2.74, max 9.3). Overall GH adherence rate was good in 70.3%, moderate in 14.7%, and poor in 15% of the patients. The reasons for nonadherence were mainly due to forgetfulness, being tired, inability to access medication, and/or pen problems. It was noteworthy that there was a negative effect on adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic reported by 22% of patients and the main reasons given were problems obtaining an appointment, taking the medication, and anxiety about going to hospital. There was no difference between genders in the adherence rate. Nonadherence to GH treatment decreased significantly when the patient: administered the treatment; was older; had longer duration of treatment; and during the pandemic. There was a non-significant decrease in annual growth rate as nonadherence rate increased. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the poor adherence rate was 15%, and duration of GH therapy and older age were important factors. There was a negative effect on adherence during the pandemic period.
