[Endocrine study in the Prader-Willi syndrome. Apropos of 5 cases]

Five children (3 boys and 2 girls) ranging in age form 5-12 years and suffering from Prader-Willi syndrome have been evaluated. In each subject the Authors have examined auxological parameters and the following hormonal values: GH after two pharmacological stimuli tests, gonadotropins after LHRH, TSH and prolactin after TRH, cortisol rhythm, testosterone after hCG in males, thyroid hormones and steroids. The results have shown a height less than 3 degrees centile only in a subjects and ranging from 10 degrees-50 degrees in the others, a weight greater than 97 degrees centile for the height age in all, a low response in GH to both stimuli in two subjects, an increased response to LHRH in FSH in two subjects. All other endocrine evaluations were in the normal range with the exception of insulin that resulted augmented in spite of normal glycaemic values. In conclusion, our data would suggest the existence of an eventual alteration of the hypothalamus-pituitary structures.