An article co-written by PNA member Dr. Maria Fleseriu, an endocrinologist at Oregon Health Sciences University, makes recommendations on how to maintain and even improve patient outcomes despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Eur J Endocrinol. 2020 May 1. pii: EJE-20-0473. doi: 10.1530/EJE-20-0473. [Epub ahead of print]
Endocrinology in the time of COVID-19: Management of pituitary tumours.
Fleseriu M1, Karavitaki N2, Dekkers OM3.
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Abstract
Patients with pituitary tumours, ensuing hormonal abnormalities and mass effects are usually followed in multidisciplinary pituitary clinics and can represent a management challenge even during times of non-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has put on hold routine medical care for hundreds of millions of patients around the globe, while many pituitary patients' evaluations cannot be delayed for too long. Furthermore, the majority of patients with pituitary tumours have co-morbidities potentially impacting the course and management of COVID-19 (e.g. hypopituitarism, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease). Here, we summarize some of the diagnostic and management dilemmas for these patients, and we provide guidance on safe and as effective as possible delivery of care in the COVID-19 era. We also attempt to address how pituitary services should be remodeled in the event of similar crises, while maintaining or even improving patient outcomes. Regular review of these recommendations and further adjustments are needed, depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic status. We consider that utilization of successful models of pituitary multidisciplinary care implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic should continue after the crisis is over by using the valuable and exceptional experience gained during these challenging times.
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The PNA would like to honor the memory of Dr. Donald P. Becker, a longtime member of the PNA who passed away on May 1, 2020. Dr. Becker was a respected neurosurgeon at UCLA Medical Center. At UCLA, he served as a Professor and Chief of Neurosurgery from 1985 – 2001 and then Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the David Geffen School of Medicine (2001-2007). He graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1968 and completed his neurosurgical residency at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. From 1972-1985 he was Professor and Chairman at the Medical College of Virginia.
He wrote many scholarly articles and served as President of the Neurosurgical Society of America, served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the Journal of Neurosurgery Editorial Board. He retired as Director of the UCLA Brain Tumor Program in 2007. He was an avid horseman and golfer. The PNA expresses our deepest condolences to Dr. Becker’s family, friends and colleagues.
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