Self-reported loss of consciousness after head trauma does not predispose to hypopituitarism in an older population.

OBJECTIVE

This population study examines the prevalence of hypopituitarism and low bone mineral density (BMD) in older persons reporting loss of consciousness after head trauma (HT).

METHODS

Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used pertaining to 630 women (53 HT) and 533 men (63 HT). Subjects were asked whether they had ever had an HT with loss of consciousness. Linear regression analysis (adjusted for age, body mass index, chronic diseases, smoking, alcohol use, and gender) was performed to examine the association between HT and serum anteriory pituitary hormone levels, BMD, and quantative ultrasound measurements.

RESULTS

Serum follicle stimulating hormone was significantly higher in males in the HT group (P = .05) than in the non-HT group. This difference was not found in women (P = .25). No other differences were observed in serum hormone levels between subjects with and without HT (P > .30). Also, no significant differences between the HT and non-HT group were found in BMD and quantitative ultrasound measurements.

CONCLUSION

A self-reported history of HT with loss of consciousness does not seem to increase the risk of hypopituitarism and lower BMD in an aging population.