Weight gain in craniopharyngioma--a model for hypothalamic obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate (1) the pattern of post-operative weight gain and (2) the risk factors associated with the development of post-operative weight gain and obesity in children treated for craniopharyngioma.


METHODS
The records of 43 children who had primary craniopharyngioma resection were reviewed. Neurological, endocrine, anthropometric and radiological risk factors for the development of obesity and for post-operative increase in BMI SDS were analyzed.


RESULTS
Twenty-five patients (58%) became obese post-operatively. Obesity was significantly associated with higher BMI SDS at presentation and pre-operative hydrocephalus (p < 0.05). Increased BMI SDS from 0-12 months was significantly associated with post-operative MRI evidenced hypothalamic damage and higher BMI at presentation (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Children who developed hypothalamic obesity had a significant, rapid BMI increase over the first 6 months, followed by stabilization, with no regression of BMI SDS.
Divisions of Endocrinology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Alexandra
A
Ahmet
Susan
S
Blaser
Derek
D
Stephens
Sharon
S
Guger
James T
JT
Rutkas
Jill
J
Hamilton
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015430:Weight Gain