| HGH in Prader-Willi Syndrome |
|
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a glitch in the genes on chromosome 15. Use of HGH in Prader-Willi syndrome has helped patients by alleviating some of the most debilitating symptoms. Prader-Willi Syndrome The syndrome is named after the two doctors who were the first to bring it to the attention of the medical community back in 1956. As mentioned, it is the chromosome 15 in your kid that is the main problem. Some genes on this chromosome are either missing or are not expressed properly leading to this debilitating condition. PWS occurs once in every 10,000 to 12,000 births. Some of the early symptoms of this condition include: * Absent or poor muscle tone (floppy baby) * Impaired ability to suck or nurse; poor weight gain However as your baby grows, he/she may develop a ravenous appetite coupled with uncontrolled weight gain. Some of the other symptoms include: * Short stature * Small hands and feet * Almond-shaped eyes * Small mouth * Centrally distributed obesity If your child has been diagnosed with PWS, you may also notice some impairment in learning as well as cognitive ability. Because of the smaller than normal genitals, there is also a delay in attaining puberty. As with any genetic condition, early diagnosis is the key to helping your child lead as healthy and as normal a life possible. HGH and Prader-Willi Syndrome Currently there is no full cure for Prader-Willi syndrome, however early diagnosis will help you as a parent gear up for future challenges. Injections of human growth hormone (HGH) have been found to be useful in controlling some of the adverse effects caused by PWS. Doctors have so far used standard doses of growth hormone injections to treat PWS. These injections, * Increase linear growth * Decrease body fat * Increase lean muscle mass * May help improve physical activity However as a parent you must be ever vigilant for the slightest indication of problems. Contact your doctor immediately if your child's upper airways become blocked or you notice an increase in snoring. Furthermore any sign of respiratory infection signals danger. Your doctor will immediately stop the HGH injections and treat the infection first. While human growth hormone has been found to be helpful in treating Prader-Willi syndrome, there is no medication that controls appetite of children affected with this condition. Treatment is at best supportive as scientists are as yet engaged in understanding the mechanisms underlying this condition. |