Evaluation of anterior pituitary function in patients with chronic brain injury (professional football players)

• Main Authors: B. Al*, M. Doğan, S. Zengin, S. Taysi, E. Sarcan, C. Yıldırım
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2013-12-01
• Series: African Journal of Emergency Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211419X13001481

In present, study we aimed to evaluate the difference of anterior pituitary hormones in professional football players. Method: The study was constructed between 01 January 2012 and 31 October 2012 in Emergency Department of Medicine School, Gaziantep University. Fifty-one professional football players who exposed to chronic brain trauma (by hitting to the ball with head) (group 1), and as a control group 21 healthy volunteers (group 2) all of whom were male were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from both groups to evaluate Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Growth hormone (GH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL) and Adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) values. The collected blood samples were centrifuged and stored under −80 °C. The results were analysed with SSPS program version 18 and the results with p ⩽ 0,005 were considered significant. Results: In comparing of results in groups; the difference of TSH and PRL values were statistically significant in footballer (p < 0,005). However, the difference between hormones changes and playing period (6–18 years) was not statistical significant (p > 0,005). Conclusion: Hitting to the ball with head by playing football professionally for a long time does not cause changes at anterior pituitary hormones.