AJNN
Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology

Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology (formerly known as the Academic Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery, e-ISSN:3023-6517), deals with neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and clinical psychology accepts articles on these topics. Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology publishes original research articles, review articles, case reports, editorial commentaries, letters to the editor, educational articles, and conference/meeting announcements.

eISSN: 3108-8171
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Original Article
Evaluation of anterior pituitary hormonal changes in the acute phase of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: a Nigerian experience
Abstract
Aims: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with acute neuroendocrine alterations involving the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, but the clinical significance of these early hormonal changes remains unclear. To evaluate early changes in anterior pituitary hormones following moderate and severe TBI and determine their relationship with injury severity.
Methods: This prospective longitudinal observational study included 42 adult patients with moderate and severe TBI presenting within 24 hours of injury. Serum levels of anterior pituitary hormones [adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and prolactin] were measured at admission, 48 hours, and 7 days post-injury. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Acute hormonal alterations were common, with elevated ACTH, LH, and prolactin observed in the majority of patients. No consistent or statistically significant association was found between hormone levels and TBI severity. While mean TSH levels were significantly higher in severe TBI at 7 days (p=0.031), values remained strictly within normal limits. Longitudinal comparisons were notably limited by a high cohort mortality rate
Conclusion: Acute anterior pituitary hormonal alterations occur almost universally following moderate and severe TBI, reflecting an adaptive, stress-driven neuroendocrine reactivity rather than early pathological hypopituitarism. These isolated acute changes do not correlate with initial injury severity or serve as reliable indicators of primary pituitary failure.

Keywords : Traumatic brain injury, neuroendocrine response, anterior pituitary hormones, acute phase, injury severity

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 33-37
https://doi.org/10.51271/AJNN-0048
Article Information
Received : 03 May 2026
Accepted : 02 Haz 2026
Published : 27 Haz 2026
Corresponding Author :

Olukorede Adekunle: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Nigeria

[email protected]
Citation : Adeleke NA, Yusuf AS, Odebode OT, Biliaminu SA, Adekunle OO. Evaluation of anterior pituitary hormonal changes in the acute phase of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: a Nigerian experience. Acad J Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol. 2026;3(2):33-37. doi:10.51271/AJNN-0048

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