Blast Concussion mTBI, Hypopituitarism, and Psychological Health in OIF/OEFVeterans
Abstract
Chronic hypopituitarism (deficient production of one or more pituitary hormones) occurs in 25-50% of cases of civilian traumatic brain injury. Although repetitive blast concussion is the signature injury of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, the prevalence of hypopituitarism after blast-induced concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is undetermined. Pituitary dysfunction is associated with symptoms including fatigue, mood disturbances, anxiety and depression, irritability, insomnia, memory loss, social isolation, and decreased quality of life, as well as muscular weakness, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and diminished cardiovascular function. Concentrations of 12 hormones in blood samples from Veterans of deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan who had sustained at least one blast concussion were compared with those from Veterans of deployment without blast exposure. Veterans with blast mTBI were found to have a prevalence of pituitary dysfunction of 42.9% compared to 6.7% in those not exposed. The prevalence of hypopituitarism in the general population has been estimated at 0.03%. Based on this estimation, the frequency of hypopituitarism after blast concussion is 1,430 times greater than that of the general population. The most frequent hormone deficiency disorders were growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadism, which may result in significant changes in mood, energy, body composition, muscular strength, sexual function and quality of life.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA606834
Entities
People
- Charles W. Wilkinson
Organizations
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research