Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology,
Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
Note: [] Correspondence: Patrizia Matarazzo, MD, Department of Pediatric
Endocrinology and Diabetology, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University
of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy. Tel.: +39 0113131790; Fax:
+39 0113135357; E-mail: patrizia.matarazzo@oirmsantanna.piemonte.it
Abstract: Hyponatremia and hypernatremia, common electrolyte abnormalities in
children hospitalized for intracranial diseases, are life-threatening events.
Diagnosis and adequate treatment of hypo- and hypernatremia are mandatory to
prevent neurological sequelae. We report ante-and post-hypophyseal
dysfunctions, disabilities and acute sodium metabolism derangements in 16
children affected by hypothalamic-hypophyseal tumors treated by neurosurgery
and/or chemotherapy during a long-lasting follow-up. We compare acute hypo- and
hypernatremic episodes during surgery between these patients, treated with a
specific hormonal and infusive protocol (protocol A), and a previous cohort of
patients, affected by similar tumors, treated with a previously published
protocol (protocol B). All patients showed multiple or isolated pituitary
dysfunctions and disabilities before chemotherapy and/or surgical treatment
that worsened during the follow-up period. We found a statistical significant
decrease of hyponatremic intra-operative acute events in children treated with
protocol A. Sodium metabolism derangements complicating the course of
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tumors can be partially prevented with specific
per-operative protocols. Aim of this study is to present a new sodium
metabolism derangements management in children treated for
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tumors and to compare this with a previous one.
