Effects of growth hormone treatment on growth and body composition in Prader—Willi syndrome: a preliminary report

Abstract

Lindgren AC, Hagenas L, Miiller J, Blichfeldt S, Rosenborg M, Brismar T, Ritzdn EM, in collaboration with the Swedish National Growth Hormone Advisory Group. Effects of growth hormone treatment on growth and body composition in Prader-Willi syndrome: a preliminary report. Acta Paediatr 1997; Suppl423:60-2. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-5326 A controlled, randomized study was conducted to assess the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on growth, body composition and behaviour in prepubertal children (3-12 years of age) with Prader-Willi syndrome. GH treatment was given to one group of 15 patients (group A) at a dose of 0.1 IU/kg/day for 2 years. The second group (group B; n = 12) was not treated for the first year and was then given GH at a dose of 0.2 IU/kg/day for the second year. All patients had low 24-hour levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor I before GH treatment. Height velocity SDS increased from -1.9 2.0 to 6.0 f 3.2 during the first year of GH treatment in group A, and from -1.4 f 1.2 to 10.1 f 3.9 in the second year of the study in group B. When GH treatment was stopped, height velocity declined dramatically. Height SDS followed a similar pattern. GH treatment reduced the percentage body fat and increased the muscle area of the thigh. Isometric muscle strength was also increased. In addition, GH treatment appeared to have psychological and behavioural benefits, which were reversed after cessation of treatment. It was concluded that GH treatment improves growth, body composition and behaviour in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. 0 Prader-Willi syndrome, growth hormone treatment, growth, body composition, behaviour

Growth hormone treatment increases CO 2 response, ventilation and central inspiratory drive in children with Prader-Willi syndrome

“…In a controlled randomized growth hormone (GH) treatment trial of children with PWS, we found a remarkable improvement in growth, body composition, behaviour, physical activity and endurance [15]. Furthermore, parents reported improved behaviour, physical activity and endurance [16].…”

“…All patients had more than 8 points according to the diagnosis scoring system and they all took part in a larger trial aimed to investigate the eects of GH in patients with PWS [15]. The children had a mean age of 10.2 years (range 7.0 to 14.3 years) and a body mass index (BMI) of 2.1 SDS (range A0.3 to 4.1 SDS).…”

Body composition in Prader-Willi syndrome compared with nonsyndromal obesity: Relationship to physical activity and growth hormone function

“…Although GHD cannot be confirmed in all patients, the effect of growth hormone intervention does support a functional GHD. 9 Consequently, a functional GHD might result in an increased extracellular-to-intracellular-water ratio as was shown in adults with GHD. 10 Another possible factor that may influence these alterations in body composition is inactivity.…”

Systematic Review of the Clinical Effectiveness of Genotropin (Somatropin) in Children with Short Stature

“…One further study was excluded at the data abstraction stage as Genotropin was administered in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue. An additional four studies included in the previous NICE Technology Appraisal which met the inclusion criteria were also included in the review [40][41][42][43] . 55 .…”