Primary empty sella and associated pituitary hormonal abnormalities in children: An observational study

Abstract

Objective: To find out the spectrum of pituitary hormonal abnormalities in children with primary empty sella syndrome. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational hospital-based study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Children referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic with clinical features of pituitary hormonal abnormalities were evaluated. Children who were found to have empty sella were included in the study and hormonal profile of these children were studied. Results: There were 14 patients in the
study group. Isolated growth hormone deficiency was the most common associated abnormality (64%) followed by multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies in 5 (35%) children. Hypothyroidism was observed in 4 patients (28%) and hypocortisolism in 2 cases (14%). Hypogonadism was observed in one girl on follow-up (7.1%). Conclusions: Significant numbers of children with pituitary hormone abnormalities have primary empty sella as a cause. Therefore, these children need to be evaluated for all pituitary hormones and should
be regularly followed up for evolving hormonal deficiencies.