Cognitive function in patients with childhood‑onset combined pituitary hormone deficiency not treated with growth hormone
Introduction. Growth hormone deficiency is a known factor leading to impairment of psychological performance but there are very few studies on cognitive function in adult patients with childhood‑onset combined pituitary hormone deficiency (ChO‑CPHD). Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess cognitive skills in adult patients with this disorder. Material and Methods. The study was performed in a unique group of 28 adult ChO‑CPHD patients, never treated with growth hormone (mean age 42.5 +/- 16.3 years; 12 women and 16 men). The assessment of cognitive performance (WAIS‑R) comprised scores of verbal IQ, non‑verbal IQ and particular qualitative analysis of subtests. Results. The mean score of full scale (IQ = 81,4) was below the normal when compared to the population norm (IQ = 100, SD +/- 15), although their verbal score (IQ = 85,7) was a bit higher than their nonverbal score (IQ = 81,7). Conclusions. The obtained result of total intelligence quotient (IQ) had shown equable subnormal results and a cognitive level below average in the study group. Decreased subscales of WAIS‑R are related to fluid intelligence (this may reflect abnormal brain development or could be linked to the influence of hormonal disorders in early life) as well as, emotional traits of personality.