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Growth hormone combined with child-specific motor training improves motor development in infants with Prader-Willi
Linda Reus1, Ben J Pelzer, Barto J Otten
1Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physical Therapy, 818, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Centre, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, 114, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Growth hormone (GH) treatment combined with physical training significantly improves motor development in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Early GH intervention yields the most pronounced benefits for motor skills and potential in PWS infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) exhibit significant motor challenges.
- Longitudinal studies on PWS motor development are scarce, and growth hormone (GH) treatment outcomes are inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if GH treatment amplifies the benefits of physical training on motor development in infants with PWS.
- To assess the longitudinal impact of GH on motor skills in PWS.
Main Methods:
- A two-year randomized controlled trial involving 22 infants with PWS.
- Participants received either immediate GH treatment or a delayed treatment after a control period.
- Both groups engaged in individualized physical training programs.
- Motor performance was assessed quarterly using multi-level regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant individual variability in motor development was observed (p<.001), influenced by baseline levels (p<.01).
- GH treatment significantly enhanced the motor developmental rate and potential achieved through physical training.
- Earlier initiation of GH treatment correlated with more pronounced positive effects on motor development.
Conclusions:
- Combined GH treatment and physical training offer a synergistic approach to improving motor development in infants with PWS.
- Early intervention with GH is crucial for maximizing motor gains in this population.
- GH treatment positively influences both the trajectory and ceiling of motor development in PWS.
Abstract:
Although severe motor problems in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are striking, motor development has never been studied longitudinally and the results of growth hormone (GH) treatment on motor development are contradictory. The authors studied whether GH treatment can enhance the effect of physical training on motor development in infants with PWS. Twenty-two infants were followed for two years during a randomized controlled trial. The treatment and control groups began GH after baseline or following a control period, respectively. Both groups followed a child-specific physical training program. Motor performance was measured every three months. Multi-level regression analysis revealed that motor development differed significantly between infants (p<.001), and this could be partially explained by baseline motor developmental level (p<.01). GH treatment enhanced the effects of child-specific physical training on both motor developmental rate and motor developmental potential. Moreover, this effect was more pronounced when GH treatment was initiated at a younger age.
