Neuroendocrine changes during the acute phase following traumatic brain injury.

Hypopituitarism is a common manifestation of traumatic brain injury. The focus of much of the literature to date has been on the post-acute phase of injury. However, a small number of authors have systematically examined the prevalence of and risk factors for post-traumatic hypopituitarism in the immediate post-injury phase and reported on proposed screening methods, diagnostic investigations, and appropriate treatments of acute anterior and posterior hypopituitarism. It is paramount to promptly identify and treat acute post-traumatic hypopituitarism, particularly adrenocorticotropic hormone or cortisol deficiency and disorders of arginine vasopressin secretion, in order to reduce patient morbidity and mortality.