ACCEPT:

• If a non-secretory or prolactin secreting pituitary tumour (adenoma) and the donor has no symptoms even if on oral medication and did not undergo neurosurgery (REFER if it cannot be confirmed the tumour was non-malignant)
• If donor was treated exclusively with ONLY recombinant-derived growth hormone (this may need to be referred to confirm)
• If the donor has undergone trans-sphenoidal surgery for a pituitary tumour and all wounds are healed and the donor is discharged from all follow-up
• If the donor has undergone radiation therapy for a benign tumor, even if on long term follow up, provided there are no complications related to either the treatment received or to the underlying condition

PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donors had a malignant tumour
• If donor has multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome
• If donor had open neurosurgery
• If donor has acromegaly or growth hormone excess
• If donors has adrenal failure or requires treatment with oral steroids
• If donors has a pituitary tumour, even if benign, if they have been treated with human desmopressin

SEE IF RELEVANT

• PRION ASSOCIATED DISEASES

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The pituitary gland is a small, bean-shaped gland located below the brain in the skull base and is regulated by the hypothalamus. It is often called the "master gland" as it controls the secretion of the body's hormones. These hormones have a broad range of effects on growth and development, sexuality and reproductive function, metabolism, the response to stress and overall quality of life. The most common problem with the pituitary gland occurs when a benign tumour (adenoma) develops. Some pituitary tumours can exist for years without causing symptoms and some will never produce symptoms. Most pituitary tumours occur in people with no family history of pituitary problems and the condition is not usually passed on from generation to generation. Tumours are very occasionally inherited - for example, in a condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1). The most common type of tumour is the ‘non-functioning’ tumour which doesn’t produce any hormones itself. It can cause headaches and visual problems or it can press on the pituitary gland, causing it to stop producing the required amount of one or more of the pituitary hormones OR the pituitary tumour may begin to generate too much of one or more hormones. The deferrals above are in place to protect donor and recipient safety