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Pituitary
Published in: Pituitary 1/2012

01-03-2012

Hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma: treatment approaches and the emerging role of gastric bypass surgery

Authors: Gabrielle Page-Wilson, Sharon L. Wardlaw, Alexander G. Khandji, Judith Korner

Published in: Pituitary | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Hypothalamic obesity is a potential sequela of craniopharyngioma, arising from hypothalamic damage inflicted by either the tumor and/or its treatment. The marked weight gain that characterizes this disorder appears to result from impaired sympathoadrenal activation, parasympathetic dysregulation, and other hormonal and hypothalamic disturbances that upset the balance between energy intake and expenditure. Given hypopituitarism is commonly present, careful management of hormonal deficits is important for weight control in these patients. In addition, diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy aimed at augmenting sympathetic output, controlling hyperinsulinism, and promoting weight loss have been used to treat this disease, but these measures rarely lead to sustained weight loss. While surgical interventions have not routinely been pursued, emerging data suggests that surgical weight loss interventions including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be safely and effectively used for the management of hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma.
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Metadata
Title
Hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma: treatment approaches and the emerging role of gastric bypass surgery
Authors
Gabrielle Page-Wilson
Sharon L. Wardlaw
Alexander G. Khandji
Judith Korner
Publication date
01-03-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Pituitary / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1386-341X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7403
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-011-0349-5

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