PAPER

Neuroendocrine changes in patients with acute space occupying ischaemic stroke

S Schwarz¹, S Schwab², K Klinga³, C Maser-Gluth⁴ and M Bettendorf⁵

¹ Department of Neurology, Klinikum Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
² Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg
³ Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Heidelberg
⁴ Department of Pharmacology, University of Heidelberg
⁵ Department of Paediatrics, University of Heidelberg

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Stefan Schwarz, Department of Neurology, Klinikum Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, 1–3 Theodor-Kutzer Ufer, Mannheim 68167, Germany;
s.schwarz{at}neuro.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Objective: To evaluate neuroendocrine changes in critical care patients with acute space occupying hemispheric stroke.

Methods: 22 patients with acute space occupying hemispheric stroke were studied (mean age 57.7 years; five women, 17 men). Plasma levels of prolactin, thyrotropin (TSH), total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), and total triiodothyronine (T3) were measured on admission and thereafter on days 3, 5, 7, and 9. Cortisol and ACTH levels were analysed at 8.00, 16.00, and 24.00 hours each day. A TRH stimulation test with measurements of TSH and prolactin was done on day 3.

Results: Nine patients underwent decompressive craniectomy and nine were treated with moderate hypothermia. All patients received vasopressor drugs because of arterial hypotension. Plasma ACTH and cortisol values were abnormally low despite systemic hypotension and acute systemic illness, and remained low throughout the observation period. The diurnal rhythm of cortisol was not preserved. Prolactin levels increased during the observation period, and were well above normal on day 9. Thyroid function was slightly suppressed until day 7. TRH stimulation of plasma TSH and prolactin was low.

Conclusions: Patients with an acute space occupying cerebral infarct show profound neuroendocrine changes. The central regulation of adrenal and thyroid function and prolactin release is impaired, which may compromise the clinical course of affected patients and have implications for therapeutic management.

Keywords: stroke; cortisol; ACTH; prolactin; TSH

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Neuroendocrine adaptation in large brain infarcts

Vinod K Gupta

JNNP Online, 5 Jun 2003 [Full text]