Pituitary research on Fontan patients

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17568
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53020:Cardiology-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Nagatomo Yusaku 九州大学, 医学研究院, 助教 (50808813)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Fontan患者 / 下垂体機能 / ホルモン分泌 / 不妊 / 月経異常 / 中心静脈圧 / 門脈

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated the effects of Fontan circulation on pituitary function. Blood hormone levels were measured at any time, and Fontan patients had low levels of growth hormone, IGF-1, and adrenal hormones. Although sex hormone levels were within reference values, many female patients had symptoms such as menstrual abnormalities and infertility, which may be related to pituitary hypofunction. Pituitary volume obtained by head MRI was found to be related to central venous pressure. This study suggests that high central venous pressure after Fontan surgery may lead to increased pituitary volume and impaired pituitary function. The results of this study were presented at a academic meeting.

Free Research Field

小児循環器

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究よりFontan術後患者の高い中心静脈圧が下垂体の容量増大に関係しており、下垂体機能低下に影響している可能性が示された。Fontan患者の遠隔期の多様な臓器合併症や症候の原因解明に本研究が貢献する可能性がある。またFontan術後患者への診療において下垂体機能の観点から評価を行うことで適切な治療・管理や指導を行うことにつながる意義ももつと考えられる。