Objective: To determine the frequency of post-treatment endocrine complications in patients with pediatric brain tumors within one year after treatment. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Place and duration: Outpatient department of Paediatric Endocrinology at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), from May 2022 to August 2023. Material and methods: Children of either gender, aged between 1-18 years, diagnosed with brain tumour who received any treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical treatment) for brain tumour within the last one year were analyzed. Data regarding age, gender, laboratory and radiology evaluation of the patients were noted. Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) was defined as a deficiency in 2 or more pituitary hormone. Hypopituitarism (HP) was defined as diminished production of 1 or more pituitary hormones. Results: In a total of 45 patients, 32 (71.1%) were boys. The mean age was 11.61±3.32 year (ranging between 3 to 17 years).The most common tumor types consisted of craniopharyngioma, and pilocytic astrocytoma, noted in 35 (77.8%) and 5 (11.1%) cases respectively. The mean tumor size was 2.08±0.88 x 1.83±0.71 x 1.71±1.00 cm. The mode of treatment were surgery, radiotherapy, and combination of surgery and radiotherapy documented in 31 (68.9%), 6 (13.3%), and 8 (17.8%) children, respectively. The mean duration of time elapsed since treatment was 11.02±1.45 months. CPHD and HP were reported in 23 (51.1%) and 15 (33.3%) children respectively. Conclusion: Notable proportion of children following treatment of brain tumors have endocrinological complications. Comprehensive follow-up and continuous monitoring of endocrine parameters are crucial for paediatric brain tumor survivors, aiming detection and addressing complications promptly, ultimately enhancing post-treatment care and outcomes.
Keyword: Brain tumor, craniopharyngioma, hypopituitarism, pilocytic astrocytoma, radiotherapy.