Dexamphetamine use for management of obesity and hypersomnolence following hypothalamic injury.
Unrelenting weight gain, morbid obesity and disturbance of the sleep-wake cycle are well-recognized sequelae of hypothalamic injury. These health problems and their risk of significant associated co-morbidity drive the search for potential treatment modalities.


OBJECTIVE
To report effects on weight change and wakefulness in a cohort of 12 patients with structural hypothalamic lesions treated with low-dose dexamphetamine.


METHODS
Retrospective review of case notes.


RESULTS
Twelve patients received dexamphetamine 5 mg twice daily (median duration 13 months in males, 15 months in females). Ten of 12 patients experienced either stabilisation of weight or weight loss on treatment (median loss -0.7 SDS in males, -0.44 SDS in females). Eleven patients reported improvement in daytime wakefulness and/or concentration and exercise tolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose dexamphetamine therapy has a positive impact on inexorable weight gain and daytime somnolence following hypothalamic injury.
Ismail
D
D
Department of Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
O'Connell
M A
MA
Zacharin
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007027:Hypothalamic Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003913:Dextroamphetamine