Dexamphetamine use for management of obesity and hypersomnolence following hypothalamic injury.

UNLABELLED: Unrelenting weight gain, morbid obesity and disturbance of the sleep-wake cycle are well-recognized sequelae of hypothalamic injury. These health problems and their risk of significant associated co-morbidity drive the search for potential treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To report effects on weight change and wakefulness in a cohort of 12 patients with structural hypothalamic lesions treated with low-dose dexamphetamine.

METHOD: Retrospective review of case notes.

RESULTS

Twelve patients received dexamphetamine 5 mg twice daily (median duration 13 months in males, 15 months in females). Ten of 12 patients experienced either stabilisation of weight or weight loss on treatment (median loss -0.7 SDS in males, -0.44 SDS in females). Eleven patients reported improvement in daytime wakefulness and/or concentration and exercise tolerance.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose dexamphetamine therapy has a positive impact on inexorable weight gain and daytime somnolence following hypothalamic injury.