A consensus on optimization of care in patients with growth hormone deficiency and mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE/DESIGN: Approximately 2.9 million children and adults in the US experience traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually, most of which are considered mild. TBI can induce varying consequences on pituitary function, with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) among the more commonly reported conditions. Panels of pediatric and adult endocrinologists, neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and neuropsychologists convened in February and October 2020 to discuss ongoing challenges and provide strategies for detection and optimal management of patients with mild TBI and GHD. RESULTS: Difficulties include a low rate of seeking medical attention in the population, suboptimal screening tools, cost and complexity of GHD testing, and a lack of consensus regarding when to test or retest for GHD. Additionally, referrals to endocrinologists from other specialists are uncommon. Recommendations from the panels for managing such patients included multidisciplinary guidelines on the diagnosis and management of post-TBI GHD and additional education on long-term metabolic and probable cognitive benefits of GH replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: As patients of all ages with mild TBI may develop GHD and/or other pituitary deficiencies, a multidisciplinary approach to provide education to endocrinologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, traumatologists, and other providers and guidelines for the early identification and management of persistent mild TBI-related GHD are urgently needed.

Facilitation of functional independence after neurotrauma: strategies for increasing physiologic readiness.

BACKGROUND: While acute rehabilitation following neurotrauma has evolved over the past 30 years to include the common use of pharmacologic agents to promote synaptogenesis and improve recovery potential, little guidance exists for a similar strategy in the post-acute or community re-entry phases of injury. Drawing upon the existing scientific literature, models of pharmacologic intervention in promoting stability in other disease states and the authors' collective clinical experience, this article provides a potential structure by which to implement methods to create a stable physiologic platform to facilitate behavioral intervention. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews basic foundations for physiologic optimization, pharmacologic strategies for facilitation, and dyscompliance after neurotrauma. METHODS: Literature review, case analysis, clinical experience. RESULTS: Guidelines for facilitation of behavioral intervention with physiologic stabilization and with pharmacologic agents are presented with clinical rationale for their utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Improving physiologic readiness for behavioral intervention in the post-acute and community re-entry phases following neurotrauma has potential to improve both the efficiency and durability of these efforts.