Growth hormone (GH) and brain trauma

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Growth hormone (GH) possesses known neurotrophic properties.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in persistent cognitive and motor deficits.
• The potential of GH as an adjunct therapy in TBI recovery remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combined GH administration and rehabilitation in TBI patients.
• To assess the impact of GH on neurotrophic factor levels (IGF-1) in TBI patients.
• To determine if GH improves various TBI-induced disabilities, including cognitive, motor, and swallowing impairments.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 13 TBI patients (ages 6-53) with diverse disabilities received GH (max 1 mg/day) and intensive rehabilitation (3-4 h/day) for 6-12 months.
• Patients included those with and without acquired GH-deficiency (GHD).
• Plasma IGF-1 levels were monitored, and clinical improvements in cognitive function, motor skills, swallowing, and vision were assessed.

Main Results:

• GH administration significantly increased plasma IGF-1 levels in both GHD and non-GHD TBI patients.
• Combined treatment led to significant improvements across all observed disabilities, with cognitive gains appearing earlier than motor gains.
• Notable improvements were observed in neurogenic dysphagia, and visual function was ameliorated in one patient.

Conclusions:

• Growth hormone can be safely combined with rehabilitation to enhance recovery in TBI patients.
• The therapeutic benefits extend to diverse disabilities, irrespective of GH-deficiency status.
• This combined approach shows promise for improving functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury.