Sleep Wake and Melatonin Pattern in Craniopharyngioma

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The hypothalamus is a part of the brain containing a number of nuclei with a variety of functions. It is central in the regulation of hormone secretion, sleep, and circadian functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is a key component in controlling circadian rhythms and generates the rhythm of melatonin secretion from the pineal gland and cortisol secretion. Both melatonin and cortisol are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep. Craniopharyngiomas are a type of brain tumors that usually affect the hypothalamus indirectly. In general, they are locally aggressive invading crucial structures e.g. the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the optic nerve. Compared to healthy controls, craniopharyngioma patients have previously been reported with impaired quality of life, increased self-reported general and physical fatigue, increased daytime sleepiness, and increased prevalence of severe sleepiness Damage to the hypothalamus by local tumour or its treatment might involve the suprachiasmatic nucleus and thereby melatonin secretion leading to disturbed circadian function causing clinical manifestations in terms of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. The investigators aimed to assess the influence of craniopharyngiomas or their treatment on melatonin secretion, and the association with sleep pattern, sleep quality, fatigue, and sleepiness. 15 patients with craniopharyngioma and 15 gender, age, and BMI matched healthy controls were included. Salivary melatonin and cortisol were measured over a 24h-period. Sleep-wake patterns were characterized by two weeks of actigraphy recordings and sleep diaries. Sleepiness, fatigue, sleep quality, and general health were assessed by questionnaires.

Detailed Description
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The hypothalamus is a part of the brain containing a number of nuclei with a variety of functions. It is central in the regulation of hormone secretion, sleep, and circadian functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is a key component in controlling circadian rhythms and generates the rhythm of melatonin secretion from the pineal gland and cortisol secretion. Both melatonin and cortisol are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep. Craniopharyngiomas are a type of brain tumors that usually affect the hypothalamus indirectly. In general, they are locally aggressive invading crucial structures e.g. the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the optic nerve. Compared to healthy controls, craniopharyngioma patients have previously been reported with impaired quality of life, increased self-reported general and physical fatigue, increased daytime sleepiness, and increased prevalence of severe sleepiness Damage to the hypothalamus by local tumour or its treatment might involve the suprachiasmatic nucleus and thereby melatonin secretion leading to disturbed circadian function causing clinical manifestations in terms of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. The investigators aimed to assess the influence of craniopharyngiomas or their treatment on melatonin secretion, and the association with sleep pattern, sleep quality, fatigue, and sleepiness. 15 patients with craniopharyngioma and 15 gender, age, and BMI matched healthy controls were included. Salivary melatonin and cortisol were measured over a 24h-period. Sleep-wake patterns were characterized by two weeks of actigraphy recordings and sleep diaries. Sleepiness, fatigue, sleep quality, and general health were assessed by questionnaires.

Official Title
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Cross Sectional Study of Sleep-wake and Melatonin Patterns in Patients Treated for Craniopharyngiomas Compared to Matched Controls

Conditions
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Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm, Craniopharyngioma

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: patients treated for former craniopharyngiomas aged 18-70 years. Exclusion Criteria: insufficient substitution of pituitary hormone deficiencies within six months prior to inclusion total blindness clinically significant liver or renal disease use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs beta-receptor antagonists antidepressants that affect serotonin active cancer epileptic seizures working night-shift breast feeding pregnancy, alcohol or drug abuse

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| craniopharyngioma<br>Patients treated for craniopharyngioma, most of them on pituitary substitution therapy | |
| Healthy controls<br>matched for gender, age and BMI to the patients | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 24h melatonin and cortisol concentrations |  | 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| actigraphy | Measuring daily activity by actigraph measurements | 1 year |