Postoperative intensive care management and residual endocrinopathy of pediatric supratentorial brain tumors: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Endocrinopathy can occur as a postoperative sequel in children treated for supratentorial tumors (STTs). We assessed prediction of a residual hypothalamic/pituitary insufficiency (HPI) in these patients and factors associated with prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of children who had surgery for STTs in two tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia (2009-2019). We assessed PICU postoperative management and risk of HPI. Data were analyzed using SPSS V24.0 and a logistic regression model for a prediction of a prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Data included 55 children (1-18 years, mean 9.5 ± 4.9 years) who required STT surgeries, 32 (54%) females. Craniopharyngioma (27.3%) was the commonest STTs and 20% of patients had initial symptoms of HPI. PICU management included the use of different types of intravenous fluids (IVFs) and medications such as steroids and desmopressin (DDAVP). An early postoperative DI was reported in 21.8% (n=12/55). Residual HPI included 24 (43.6%) presumed cortisol deficient and 18 (32.7%) central DI patients. Risk factors for postoperative HPI were female gender, age <6 years, headache and preoperative pituitary symptoms. LOS (Median=25.5 ± 12.2 days) was significantly prolonged in patients who required two or more doses of DDAVP [B=13; 95% CI= (1.7-24.3) days] and reduced in patients who had suspected preoperative HPI [B=-19.6; 95% CI= (-31.1, -8.2) days]. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of postoperative HPI in pediatric STTs enhances an early initiation of treatment in PICU and reduces LOS. A meticulous use of IVF and medications supervised by a multidisciplinary team is essential for a favorable outcome.