BACKGROUND

Pituitary hormone deficiency (PHD) is one of the most common symptoms and postoperative complications of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). However, the risk factors for PHD in CPs are little known. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors of pre- and postoperative PHD and to investigate replacement therapy for CP patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 126 patients diagnosed with CP was performed. Univariate analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, and a multiple logistic binary regression model was used to identify the influencing factors of pre- and postoperative PHD in craniopharyngioma.

RESULTS

Children and patients with hypothalamic involvement were more likely to have preoperative PHD. Patients with suprasellar lesions had a high risk of postoperative PHD, and preoperative PHD was a risk factor for postoperative PHD.

CONCLUSION

Children have a high incidence of preoperative PHD. Preoperative PHD can serve as an independent risk factor for postoperative PHD. Preoperative panhypopituitarism can serve as an indication of pituitary stalk sacrifice during surgery. The management of replacement therapy for long-term postoperative endocrine hormone deficiency in patients with craniopharyngioma should be enhanced.