Growth monitoring following traumatic brain injury

Pathophysiology of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

The national incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exceeds that of any other disease in the pediatric population. In the United States the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 697,347 annual TBIs in children ages 0–19 that result in emergency room visits, hospitalization or deaths. There is a bimodal distribution within the pediatric TBI population, with peaks in both toddlers and adolescents. Preclinical TBI research provides evidence for age differences in acute pathophysiology that likely contribute to long-term outcome differences between age groups. This review will examine the timecourse of acute pathophysiological processes during cerebral maturation, including calcium accumulation, glucose metabolism and cerebral blood flow. Consequences of pediatric TBI are complicated by the ongoing maturational changes allowing for substantial plasticity and windows of vulnerabilities. This review will also examine the timecourse of later outcomes after mild, repeat mild and more severe TBI to establish developmental windows of susceptibility and altered maturational trajectories. Research progress for pediatric TBI is critically important to reveal age-associated mechanisms and to determine knowledge gaps for future studies.

Screening and assessment tools for early detection of malnutrition in hospitalised children: a systematic review of validation studies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to identify all currently available screening and assessment tools for detection of malnutrition in hospitalised children, and to identify the most useful tools on the basis of published validation studies.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL and MEDLINE were searched up to October 2017.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies in English that reported sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values (PPVs/NPVs) in the paediatric population were eligible for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two authors independently screened all of the studies identified, and extracted the data. The methodological qualities of the studies included were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

RESULTS

The 26 validation studies that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review used eight screening and three assessment tools. The number of participants varied from 32 to 14 477. There was considerable variability in the chosen reference standards, which prevented direct comparisons of the predictive performances of the tools. Anthropometric measurements were used as reference standards in 16 of the identified studies, and full nutritional assessment in 5. The Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) screening tool performed better than Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition and Screening Tool for Risk On Nutritional status and Growth when compared in terms of anthropometric measurements, especially for body mass index (Se=90.9, Sp=81.9) and triceps skinfold thickness (Se=80.0, Sp=75.0). However, low PPVs indicated the problem of overprediction of positive cases, which was typical for all of the studies that used anthropometric measurements as the reference standard.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review identifies the need for definition of the gold standard for validation of screening tools. Anthropometry measurements using WHO or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts should be considered as the possible reference standard in future validation studies. We would recommend the use of PYMS for hospitalised paediatric patients without chronic conditions, in combination with full nutritional assessment.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017077477.

Pituitary deficiency and precocious puberty after childhood severe traumatic brain injury: a long-term follow-up prospective study

Objectives Childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health issue. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of permanent pituitary hormone deficiency and to detect the emergence of other pituitary dysfunctions or central precocious puberty several years after severe TBI. Design Follow-up at least 5 years post severe TBI of a prospective longitudinal study. Patients Overall, 66/87 children, who had endocrine evaluation 1 year post severe TBI, were included (24 with pituitary dysfunction 1 year post TBI). Main outcome measures In all children, the pituitary hormones basal levels were assessed at least 5 years post TBI. Growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests were performed 3-4 years post TBI in children with GH deficiency (GHD) 1 year post TBI and in all children with low height velocity (<-1 DS) or low IGF-1 (<-2 DS). Central precocious puberty (CPP) was confirmed by GnRH stimulation test. Results Overall, 61/66 children were followed up 7 (5-10) years post TBI (median; (range)); 17/61 children had GHD 1 year post TBI, and GHD was confirmed in 5/17 patients. For one boy, with normal pituitary function 1 year post TBI, GHD was diagnosed 6.5 years post TBI. 4/61 patients developed CPP, 5.7 (2.4-6.1) years post-TBI. Having a pituitary dysfunction 1 year post TBI was significantly associated with pituitary dysfunction or CPP more than 5 years post TBI. Conclusion Severe TBI in childhood can lead to permanent pituitary dysfunction; GHD and CPP may appear after many years. We recommend systematic hormonal assessment in children 1 year after severe TBI and a prolonged monitoring of growth and pubertal maturation. Recommendations should be elaborated for the families and treating physicians.

Embedding electronic growth charts into clinical practice at a children's hospital

Embedding electronic growth charts (EGCs) into clinical practice in a children's hospital. We employed initial implementation in the outpatient setting and subsequently extended this across inpatients with the growth chart following the child's records through both settings and significantly increasing growth data documentation.

Pituitary insufficiency following traumatic thoracic injury in an adolescent male patient: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Traumatic thoracic injuries in adolescents are rare but could be connected with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and development of chronic hypopituitarism. Early recognition of these endocrine problems is a significant challenge to clinicians. We present difficulties in diagnosis of hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency following traumatic thoracic injury in adolescence. We also review the literature of similar cases.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case of a 24-years-old male. In 2007, at the age of 15 he underwent a severe traffic accident followed by thoracic injury with concussion, hemothorax and dissection of the aorta requiring aortic stent-graft implantation.

DIAGNOSES

During the post-traumatic period, transient polydipsia and polyuria symptoms were observed. The patient had no medical history of any serious disease before the accident, his growth and pubertal development was normal. After the accident the patient did not undergo any routine medical check-ups. In 2013 gonadal axis deficiency was diagnosed during investigation of libido problems. Following the diagnosis testosterone replacement therapy was initiated.

INTERVENTIONS

Further endocrinological investigation was carried out in 2016. The patient's main complaints were decreased mood and poor physical fitness. BMI was 27.34 kg/m, with a tendency to abdominal fat distribution. The patient's height is 160 cm, while Mid Parental Height (MPH) is 173.5 cm. Decreased bone density was found in DEXA examination. Serum growth hormone level (GH) was normal while insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level was below normal. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) and low levels of IGF-1 confirmed somatotropic axis deficiency. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of the hypothalamo-pituitary region showed no abnormalities. PROP 1 and other common genetic mutations associated with GH deficits were excluded. Testosterone treatment was continued. The patient increased physical activity and implemented diet.

OUTCOMES

The patient has lost weight, improved physical activity performance and is feeling better. The procedure to start GH supplementation is now in process.

LESSONS

Based on our case and available literature we suggest that adolescent patients after traumatic brain injuries may require precise investigation and strict monitoring due to the possibility of unrecognized hypopituitarism.

Adolescent TBI-induced hypopituitarism causes sexual dysfunction in adult male rats

Adolescents are at greatest risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repeat TBI (RTBI). TBI-induced hypopituitarism has been documented in both adults and juveniles and despite the necessity of pituitary function for normal physical and brain development, it is still unrecognized and untreated in adolescents following TBI. TBI induced hormonal dysfunction during a critical developmental window has the potential to cause long-term cognitive and behavioral deficits and the topic currently remains unaddressed. The purpose of this study was to determine if four mild TBIs delivered to adolescent male rats disrupts testosterone production and adult behavioral outcomes. Plasma testosterone was quantified from 72 hrs preinjury to 3 months postinjury and pubertal onset, reproductive organ growth, erectile function and reproductive behaviors were assessed at 1 and 2 months postinjury. RTBI resulted in both acute and chronic decreases in testosterone production and delayed onset of puberty. Significant deficits were observed in reproductive organ growth, erectile function and reproductive behaviors in adult rats at both 1 and 2 months postinjury. These data suggest adolescent RTBI-induced hypopituitarism underlies abnormal behavioral changes observed during adulthood. The impact of undiagnosed hypopituitarism following RTBI in adolescence has significance not only for growth and puberty, but also for brain development and neurobehavioral function as adults.

Prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after severe traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents: a large prospective study

CONTEXT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood is a major public health issue.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the prevalence of pituitary dysfunction in children and adolescents after severe TBI and to identify any potential predictive factors.

DESIGN

This was a prospective longitudinal study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients, hospitalized for severe accidental or inflicted TBI, were included. The endocrine assessment was performed between 6 and 18 months after the injury.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Basal and dynamic tests of pituitary function were performed in all patients and GH dynamic testing was repeated in patients with low stimulated GH peak (<7 ng/mL). The diagnosis of proven severe GH deficiency (GHD) was based on the association of two GH peaks less than 5 ng/mL on both occasions of testing and IGF-I levels below -2 SD score. Initial cranial tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

We studied 87 children and adolescents [60 males, median age 6.7 y (range 0.8-15.2)] 9.5 ± 3.4 months after the TBI (73 accidental, 14 inflicted). The second GH peak, assessed 4.9 ± 0.1 months after the first evaluation, remained low in 27 children and adolescents. Fifteen patients had a GH peak less than 5 ng/mL (mean IGF-I SD score -1.3 ± 1.5) and five (5.7%) strict criteria for severe GHD. Two children had mild central hypothyroidism and one had ACTH deficiency. We did not find any predictive factors associated with existence of GHD (demographic characteristics, growth velocity, trauma severity, and radiological parameters).

CONCLUSION

At 1 year after the severe TBI, pituitary dysfunction was found in 8% of our study sample. We recommend systematic hormonal assessment in children and adolescents 12 months after a severe TBI and prolonged clinical endocrine follow-up.

The effects of repeat traumatic brain injury on the pituitary in adolescent rats

Adolescents are one of the highest groups at risk for sustaining both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repeat TBI (RTBI). Consequences of endocrine dysfunction following TBI have been routinely explored in adults, but studies in adolescents are limited, and show an incidence rate of endocrine dysfunction in 16-61% in patients, 1-5 years after injury. Similar to in adults, the most commonly affected axis is growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1). Despite TBI being the primary cause of morbidity and mortality among the pediatric population, there are currently no experimental studies specifically addressing the occurrence of pituitary dysfunction in adolescents. The present study investigated whether a sham, single injury or four repeat injuries (24 h interval) delivered to adolescent rats resulted in disruption of the GH/IGF-1 axis. Circulating levels of basal GH and IGF-1 were measured at baseline, 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, and 1 month after injury, and vascular permeability of the pituitary gland was quantified via Evans Blue dye extravasation. Changes in weight and length of animals were measured as a potential consequence of GH and IGF-1 disruption. The results from the current study demonstrate that RTBI results in significant acute and chronic decreases in circulation of GH and IGF-1, reduction in weight gain and growth, and an increase in Evans Blue dye extravasation in the pituitary compared with sham and single injury animals. RTBI causes significant disruption of the GH/IGF-1 axis that may ultimately affect normal cognitive and physical development during adolescence.

Curcumin pretreatment attenuates brain lesion size and improves neurological function following traumatic brain injury in the rat

Turmeric has been in use since ancient times as a condiment and due to its medicinal properties. Curcumin, the yellow coloring principle in turmeric, is a polyphenolic and a major active constituent. Besides anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic and anti-carcinogenic activities, curcumin also possesses strong antioxidant property. The neuroprotective effects of curcumin were evaluated in a weight drop model of cortical contusion trauma in rat. Male Wistar rats (350-400 g, n=9) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg i.p.) and subjected to head injury. Five days before injury, animals randomly received an i.p. bolus of either curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, n=9) or vehicle (n=9). Two weeks after the injury and drug treatment, animals were sacrificed and a series of brain sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were evaluated for quantitative brain lesion volume. Two weeks after the injury, oxidative stress parameter (malondialdehyde) was also measured in the brain. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the size of brain injury-induced lesions (P<0.05). Neurological examinations (rotarod and inclined-plane tests) were performed on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-brain injury. Control injured rats had a significant neurological deficit during 2 weeks (P<0.001). The injury increased brain levels of the malondialdehyde by 35.6% and these increases were attenuated by curcumin (100 mg/kg). Curcumin treatment significantly improved the neurological status evaluated during 2 weeks after brain injury. The study demonstrates the protective efficacy of curcumin in rat traumatic brain injury model.

Weight gain after childhood traumatic brain injury: a matter of concern

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess weight changes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and the factors influencing them.

METHOD

We conducted a longitudinal observational study of children with TBI of mixed severity who were consecutively admitted to one rehabilitation department (39 children; 23 males, 16 females; median age 8y 7mo; 25th to 75th centiles 3y 7mo-11y 6mo). Weight and height before TBI were obtained from the children's records and were measured monthly for 1 year after TBI. Body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores were calculated, and pre-TBI values were compared with the final values using paired tests. Linear mixed-effect interaction models were used to assess the effect of various factors on z-score evolution.

RESULTS

Z-score curves revealed early weight loss followed by a rapid increase in weight. The mean BMI gain over the period under study was 0.9 kg/m² (p < 0.001) and the mean z-score gain was 0.4 (p = 0.006). Six children had become overweight by the time of final assessment. Factors associated with a greater rate of increase in the post-TBI z-score were mobility restriction, male sex, and older age. Global pre- to post-TBI weight gain was significantly higher in males (z-score 0.7). Pituitary hormonal testing was available for 17 children at 3 months and for 27 at 1 year. Growth hormone deficiency was detected in one child.

INTERPRETATION

Weight gain of children during the first year after TBI was rapid and excessive. Male sex was a risk factor for excessive weight gain.

Paediatric nutrition risk scores in clinical practice: children with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing interest in the use of nutrition risk assessment tools in paediatrics to identify those who need nutrition support. Four non-disease specific screening tools have been developed, although there is a paucity of data on their application in clinical practice and the degree of inter-tool agreement.

METHODS

The concurrent validity of four nutrition screening tools [Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP), Screening Tool for Risk On Nutritional status and Growth (STRONGkids), Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and Simple Paediatric Nutrition Risk Score (PNRS)] was examined in 46 children with inflammatory bowel disease. Degree of malnutrition was determined by anthropometry alone using World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria.

RESULTS

There was good agreement between STAMP, STRONGkids and PNRS (kappa > 0.6) but there was only modest agreement between PYMS and the other scores (kappa = 0.3). No children scored low risk with STAMP, STRONGkids or PNRS; however, 23 children scored low risk with PYMS. There was no agreement between the risk tools and the degree of malnutrition based on anthropometric data (kappa < 0.1). Three children had anthropometry consistent with malnutrition and these were all scored high risk. Four children had body mass index SD scores < -2, one of which was scored at low nutrition risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The relevance of nutrition screening tools for children with chronic disease is unclear. In addition, there is the potential to under recognise nutritional impairment (and therefore nutritional risk) in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents: surveillance for pituitary dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Children who sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk for developing hypopituitarism, of which growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the most common manifestation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of GHD and associated features following TBI among children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 32 children and adolescents were recruited from a pediatric TBI clinic. Participants were diagnosed with GHD based on insufficient growth hormone release during both spontaneous overnight testing and following arginine/glucagon administration.

RESULTS

GHD was diagnosed in 5/32 participants (16%). Those with GHD exhibited more rapid weight gain following injury than those without GHD and had lower levels of free thyroxine and follicle-stimulating hormone. Males with GHD had lower testosterone levels.

CONCLUSIONS

GHD following TBI is common in children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of assessing for GHD, including evaluating height and weight velocities after TBI. Children and adolescents with GHD may further exhibit absence or intermediate function for other pituitary hormones.

Pituitary function at long-term follow-up of childhood traumatic brain injury

Pituitary dysfunction is a recognized sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurring in 10-83% of adult patients, but there are few data on the prevalence or natural history in childhood. Our objective was to determine pituitary function in children and young adults at least 4 years after TBI requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. The effects of TBI and hypopituitarism on height, adiposity, and quality of life (QOL) were also evaluated. Unselected patients discharged from the regional PICU with TBI (age < 18 years at injury) from 1999-2004 were recruited. Blood and urine samples were collected for baseline pituitary function testing. Height and weight were measured. Adiposity was assessed by mid-upper arm and waist circumferences, and body fat percentage estimation using four-site skinfold thickness and bioelectrical impedance. Auxology and adiposity data were compared to local age- and sex-matched healthy control data. QOL questionnaires (PedsQL 4.0 and QOL-AGHDA) were completed. Twenty subjects (median age 16.7 years, range 9.2-23.3 years, 13 male) of 127 who were eligible agreed to participate at a median of 6.8 years (range 4.2-10.3 years) since TBI. Markers of injury were higher in those recruited than those who were not. Biochemical evidence of hypopituitarism was identified in only one case, possibly related to comorbid pre-existing attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Height, weight, and adiposity were similar to healthy controls. Poor QOL was seen in patients with chronic functional deficits or comorbidities. Overall, pituitary dysfunction was less prevalent than in previous studies in adults and children. The results of this study do not support the use of routine endocrine evaluation of children following TBI.

Practitioner review: beyond shaken baby syndrome: what influences the outcomes for infants following traumatic brain injury?

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in infancy is relatively common, and is likely to lead to poorer outcomes than injuries sustained later in childhood. While the headlines have been grabbed by infant TBI caused by abuse, often known as shaken baby syndrome, the evidence base for how to support children following TBI in infancy is thin. These children are likely to benefit from ongoing assessment and intervention, because brain injuries sustained in the first year of life can influence development in different ways over many years.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted and drawn together into a review aimed at informing practitioners working with children who had a brain injury in infancy. As there are so few evidence-based studies specifically looking at children who have sustained a TBI in infancy, ideas are drawn from a range of studies, including different age ranges and difficulties other than traumatic brain injury.

RESULTS

This paper outlines the issues around measuring outcomes for children following TBI in the first year of life. An explanation of outcomes which are more likely for children following TBI in infancy is provided, in the areas of mortality; convulsions; endocrine problems; sensory and motor skills; cognitive processing; language; academic attainments; executive functions; and psychosocial difficulties. The key factors influencing these outcomes are then set out, including severity of injury; pre-morbid situation; genetics; family factors and interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Practitioners need to take a long-term, developmental view when assessing, understanding and supporting children who have sustained a TBI in their first year of life. The literature suggests some interventions which may be useful in prevention, acute care and longer-term rehabilitation, and further research is needed to assess their effectiveness.