EFFECT OF GROWTH-HORMONE ON HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND BODY-COMPOSITION IN PRADER-WILLI-SYNDROME

Aims-To evaluate the effect of the administration of growth hormone on stature, body weight, and body composition in children aged between 4 and 10 years with Prader-Willi syndrome. Methods-Height, weight, and skinfold thickness were recorded in 25 children using standard anthrop ometric techniques at recruitment, and six months later, shortly befor e the start of daily subcutaneous injections of growth hormone. Body c omposition was assessed via a measurement of total body water using st able isotopes. Measurements were repeated at the end of the six months of growth hormone administration. Measurements of height, weight, and skinfold thickness were expressed as standard deviation scores (SDSs) . Results-There was a significant reduction in the percentage of body fat after growth hormone treatment; height velocity doubled during tre atment; body weight did not change significantly when expressed as an SDS. Skinfold thickness at both the triceps and subscapular site decre ased in absolute terms and when expressed as an SDS. Conclusions-These results indicate sufficient potential benefit to justify a more prolo nged trial of growth hormone treatment and an exploration of different dosage regimens in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.