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Cognitive and Adaptive Effects of Early Growth Hormone Treatment in Prader-Willi Syndrome Patients: A Cohort Study

Aitana Ayet-Roger1,2, Lorena Joga-Elvira2,3, Assumpta Caixàs3,4,5

  • 1Clinical and Health Psychology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Early growth hormone (GH) treatment for Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) significantly improves cognitive and adaptive outcomes. Administering GH before age two yields greater benefits for children with PWS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder.
  • PWS is associated with intellectual disability, obesity, and hyperphagia.
  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy may enhance cognitive function in PWS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive and adaptive performance in PWS patients based on the timing of GH treatment.
  • To evaluate the impact of early-stage GH intervention (before age 2) versus later treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Cognitive performance assessed using Weschler scales.
  • Adaptive behavior evaluated with the DABS scale.
  • Non-parametric statistical tests used for score analysis.

Main Results:

  • Patients treated with GH before age 2 (Group 1) showed significantly higher scores in Total Intelligence Quotient (TIQ), General Ability Index (GAI), and General Adaptive Behavior (GAB).
  • Group 1 demonstrated superior cognitive and adaptive performance compared to Group 2 (later treatment).

Conclusions:

  • Early GH administration (before age 2) is recommended for PWS patients.
  • Early intervention maximizes cognitive and adaptive benefits in Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Abstract

Keywords:
Prader–Willi Syndromeadaptive behaviorcognitiongrowth hormone treatment

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