Circulating brain injury biomarkers increase after endoscopic surgery for pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors and subsequent treatment with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) may cause injury to suprasellar structures, causing long-term fatigue neurocognitive impairment. A method quantify brain after ETSS is not available. In this prospective, exploratory study of patients undergoing for pituitary tumors, a novel approach detect possible neuronal damage presented. Plasma concentrations biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], tau, neurofilament light [NFL]) were measured the day before surgery, immediately at 1 5, 6 12 months using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The association between increase preoperative tumor extension postoperative patient-perceived was evaluated. Suprasellar assessed from MRI scans, self-perceived Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory surgery. Thirty-five included in analysis. Compared baseline, GFAP showed maximal (p = 0.0005), tau peaked postoperatively on 0.019), NFL reached its maximum 5 < 0.0001). correlated chiasmal compression 0.020). 0.011) hypothalamus 0.016), score 0.016). conclusion, blood increased tumors. results indicate that plasma might reflect astroglial ETSS.