title: Diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency in Prader-Willi syndrome.
abstract: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) results from under-expression of the paternally-derived chromosomal region 15q11-13. Growth failure is a recognized feature of PWS, and both quantitative and qualitative defects of the GH/IGF-I axis revealing GH deficiency (GHD) have been demonstrated in most children with PWS. In PWS adults, criteria for GHD are biochemically fulfilled in 8-38% of the studied cohorts. Published data support benefits of early institution of GH therapy (GHT) in PWS children, with positive effects on statural growth, body composition, metabolic homeostasis, and neurocognitive function. Like in pediatric PWS, GHT also yields beneficial effects on lean and body fat, exercise capacity, and quality of life of PWS adults. Although GHT has been generally administered safely in PWS children and adults, careful surveillance of risks is mandatory during prolonged GH replacement for all PWS individuals.
authors.affiliation: Division of Auxology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, 28921, Italy. Electronic address: g.grugni@auxologico.it.
authors.forename: Graziano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grugni
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, 28921, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, 28100, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marzullo
mesh_terms: D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D019382:Human Growth Hormone
keywords: GH deficiency; GH therapy; Prader–Willi syndrome; short stature