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Pituitary insufficiency or hypopituitarism
Pituitary insufficiency or hypopituitarism
Description
The Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic provides diagnosis and follow-up for patients aged 0 to 18 who have an endocrine problem, meaning one involving hormones (growth, puberty, the pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, sexual development and bone metabolism). Some rare endocrine diseases require follow-up by several specialists. The doctor–nurse team aims to empower patients to become experts in their condition by providing them with information and listening to them as attentively as possible. Communication between the various specialists takes place during multidisciplinary meetings within HUDERF, in collaboration with Belgian teams (Belgian Study Group for Pediatric Endocrinology). At European level, the centre is integrated into and actively participates in the ENDO-ERN network established by the European Commission. The idea is as follows: the European Union is a vast reservoir of knowledge and expertise, and it is ideas that travel, for the benefit of patients with rare diseases.
What is pituitary insufficiency or hypopituitarism?
The pituitary gland, which is about the size of a pea, is located at the base of the brain, behind the nose. It produces several hormones that control the function of other glands (the thyroid, ovaries or testes, and adrenal glands), and it is also the source of growth hormone. Some people have a pituitary gland that does not function properly, sometimes from birth and sometimes later in life. These pituitary disorders often require hormone replacement therapy with adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, sex hormones and growth hormone to replace the hormones that are lacking (sometimes only one hormone is lacking, and sometimes several). Emphasis is placed on providing information and working together with the patient and those close to them.
Our objective?
A patient who fully understands their condition and treatments and becomes an active participant in their care.
Care management
Pituitary disorders are often suspected based on the patient’s symptoms (growth retardation, cephalalgia (headache), vomiting, hypoglycaemic malaise). Blood test results confirm the diagnosis. Regularly taking capsules containing precise, adjusted amounts of replacement adrenal and/or thyroid and/or sex hormones is the cornerstone of management. Sharing knowledge with the patient is essential for effective collaboration to promote their well-being during treatment.
Advice
Adrenal hormone treatment can be adjusted according to the patient’s experience; it is therefore important to communicate properly with their doctor if new symptoms appear or if medication is no longer taken regularly. Thyroid hormones are adjusted based on quarterly blood tests, while growth hormone treatment is adjusted according to weight and growth.
Transition to adulthood
Transitioning to adult endocrinology care is also an important step to navigate successfully. The endocrinology teams at HUDERF and Erasme Hospital have been working together towards this goal for several years.
Focus
Patients are treated by a certified paediatric endocrinologist specialising in pituitary disorders. Biochemical assessment is carried out in a specialised laboratory equipped with an appropriate LC/MS system. Genetic testing and genetic counselling are performed in a specialised laboratory. A 24-hour on-call service is provided. Annual training on stress dosing is provided by a specialist nurse. A transition plan has been in place for many years.
Useful documents
Associated specialists
- Prof. Brachet Cécile
- Dr Boros Emese
- Dr Ulgiati Fiorenza
- Dr Vicinanza Alfredo
- Dr Tenoutasse Sylvie
- Prof. Heinrichs Claudine
- Dr Massart Gaëtane
- Prof. Ciancia Silvia
- Prof. Driessens Natacha
- Prof. Devuyst France
- Prof. Aglaia Kyrilli
- Prof. Burniat Agnès