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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
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Published on: January 7, 2016

Effect of growth hormone on height, weight, and body composition in Prader-Willi syndrome

P S Davies1, S Evans, S Broomhead

  • 1School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 11, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone treatment in children with Prader-Willi syndrome significantly reduced body fat and increased height velocity. Further trials are recommended to explore optimal dosages for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder affecting multiple body systems.
  • Children with Prader-Willi syndrome often exhibit growth deficiencies and abnormal body composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of growth hormone (GH) administration on stature, body weight, and body composition in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • To evaluate changes in anthropometric measurements and body fat percentage following GH treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 25 children aged 4-10 years with Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • Measurements of height, weight, and skinfold thickness recorded at baseline and after six months of daily subcutaneous GH injections.
  • Body composition assessed using total body water measurements with stable isotopes.

Main Results:

  • Significant reduction in body fat percentage observed post-GH treatment.
  • Height velocity doubled during the six-month treatment period.
  • Body weight SDS remained unchanged, while skinfold thickness decreased significantly.

Conclusions:

  • Growth hormone treatment shows promising benefits for children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • Results support further prolonged trials and investigation into varied GH dosage regimens.
  • GH therapy may be a valuable intervention for improving body composition and growth in this population.
Abstract

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