Objective: Serum sodium abnormalities are one of the most common manifestations after radical craniopharyngioma (CP) excision. The aim of this study was to report the incidence and possible predictors of serum sodium disturbance and explore features of sodium destabilization manifestation among QST classification results after CP resection.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and operative data for 134 successive patients who underwent primary CP removal between September 2016 and March 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine predictors.
Results: Sixty patients (44.8%) experienced hyponatremia and 67 patients (50%) hypernatremia; the median time of onset was 6 days and the first day after surgery, respectively. The incidence, onset, severity, and type of sodium disturbance among different types of CP differed significantly based on statistical tests (P < 0.05). Sodium disturbance was more common and severe in patients with type T tumors (P < 0.05). Age, tumor type, and preoperative diabetes insipidus were independent prognostic factors for obvious disorders of serum sodium.
Conclusions: Hyponatremia/hypernatremia is common after primary CP resection. The site of tumor origin has a direct effect on the growth pattern of CP, which may serve as a useful index for anticipating sodium perturbation after surgery. The level of sodium in children and patients with type T tumors, preoperative diabetes insipidus should be monitored closely throughout hospitalization.
Keywords: Craniopharyngioma; Hypernatremia; Hyponatremia; QST classification.
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