Blast Concussion mTBI, Hypopituitarism, and Psychological Health in OIF/OEF Veterans
Abstract
Studies of traumatic brain injury from all causes have found evidence of chronic posttraumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) in 25-50% of cases. PTHP, and in particular adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD), is associated with symptoms resembling those of PTSD, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficiencies, and decreased quality of life. However, the prevalence of PTHP after blastrelated mild TBI (mTBI) has not previously been characterized. We have measured concentrations of 12 pituitary and target-organ hormones in two groups of male US Veterans of combat in Iraq or Afghanistan: one group with blast-related mTBI and a second group with similar deployment histories but without blast exposure. Our findings thus far are that 11 of 26, or 42% of the mTBI group were found to have one or more abnormal hormone levels. Five Veterans in the mTBI group were found with hormone levels consistent with GHD, and three had testosterone and gonadotropin concentrations indicative of hypogonadism. None of the Veterans in the deployment control group were found with any hormonal abnormalities. If symptoms characteristic of both PTHP and PTSD can be linked to neuroendocrine dysfunction, they may be amenable to treatment with hormone replacement. Hormonal evaluations of additional participants in both groups are in progress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA568011
Entities
People
- Charles W. Wilkinson
Organizations
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research