Hyperprolactinemia is associated with height attainment within or above target height in adult patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome.

Objectives: Limited data exist on growth-promoting factors beyond growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This study aimed to identify factors associated with growth in patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS).

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 62 adult patients with PSIS between January 2021 and September 2024. Demographic data, metabolic parameters, and hormone statuses were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationships between hyperinsulinemia, hyperprolactinemia, sex hormone replacement history, thyroxine replacement history and 1) height attainment within or above the target height and 2) height ≥ -2 SD.

Results: A total of 62 patients (53 males and 9 females) were included, with a median age of 30.5 years (range: 26.0-32.4). Twelve patients achieved their target height, while the remaining patients did not. Hyperprolactinemia in adult patients with PSIS was positively associated with height attainment within or above the target height (OR 6.4, 95% CI: 1.6-24.7, P=0.007), and this association remained after adjustment for multiple confounders (OR 6.89, 95% CI: 1.19-40.81, P=0.032). Additionally, hyperprolactinemia showed a positive association with height ≥ -2 SD (OR 10.5, 95% CI: 2.8-38.5, P < 0.001), which also remained after adjusting for confounders (OR 13.8, 95% CI: 2.5-77.6, P=0.003). These associations were consistently observed in male patients.

Conclusions: Hyperprolactinemia was associated with height attainment within or above the target height and in Chinese adult patients with PSIS. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between hyperprolactinemia and height ≥ -2 SD.