K. Ahmed1, M. Shah2, M. Bajwa2, M. Khalid2, R. Jooma2, M. Raghib2, N. Akhunzada3, S. Siddiqi2, S. Anis4, PBTC2, S. Siddiqi2, S. Enam2 1McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 2Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan 3Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, KHYBER PAKHTUNKWHA, Pakistan 4Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore, PUNJAB, Pakistan
Introduction:
Pituitary adenomas are a type of non-malignant intracranial tumor that often require multidisciplinary. Therefore, it is necessary to identify symptoms and risk factors and promptly diagnose, treat, and manage pituitary adenomas. Prioritizing care for pituitary adenomas will reduce the prolonged disability.
Methods:
Patients with a histopathological diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma that presented at 32 tertiary care neurosurgical centers were included. The information recorded included demographics, treatment methods, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and loss to follow-up. Data on tumor size, functionality, and laterality were collected.
Results:
Of the 32 hospitals surveyed, 24 operated on pituitary adenomas, and 277 patients were treated. The mean age at diagnosis was 39.8 ± 13 years, and more males were diagnosed (63.5%) than females. Pediatric cases constituted only 4.7% of the total pituitary adenomas operated upon. Gross total resection was reported for 155 (56%) of all pituitary adenoma patients. Working class populations make up 80.1% of the population affected by pituitary adenomas.
Conclusion:
Highlighting care for non-malignant brain tumors is important for Pakistan’s health system. Evidence pertaining to gender and age disparities indicates that males in younger age groups are predominantly affected, which takes a large socio-economic toll on patients and their households. This study also highlights the need to incorporate digital health technologies for postoperative follow-up and adjuvant treatment.
