CEREBRAL PALSY NEWS
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Study: Growth Hormone Improves CP Patient Bone Density
March 21, 2007
A preliminary pilot study conducted at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles found that a growth hormone (GH) can significantly improve bone density and increase height in patients with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is often accompanied by osteopenia, short stature, low muscle mass, and are at a high risk of bone fractures. On the other hand, growth hormone therapy has been known to increase growth, bone mineral density, and improve body composition.
The Study
The study was designed to investigate the effects of GH therapy on cerebral palsy patients over the course of 18 months. The study examined how spinal bone mineral density, biochemical markers, functional measures, and linear growth were affected.
It was randomized and conducted on 12 males with cerebral palsy between the ages of 4.5 and 15.4 from 2002 to 2005 at the Orthopedic Hospital's Center for Cerebral Palsy, UCLA.
Of the 12 patients who began the study, 10 completed it. Five of them received the growth hormone treatment while the other five did not.
The Results
During the treatment, the average height of the patients in the group treated by growth hormones increased by 0.67, while the patients who did not receive the growth hormone grew only 0.1 taller.
The average increase in spinal bone mass density for the treated group over the course of the study was 1.169, while the untreated group registered changes of 0.24.
The study also found increased levels of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein 3 levels during GH therapy. These hormones play an important role in the growth and development of children.
Unfortunately, the study did not find a measurable change in the quality of life for the patients for either group as measured by the standard Pediatric Orthopedic Disability Inventory.
Does your child have cerebral palsy? If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering and more. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with an experienced and caring cerebral palsy attorney who can examine your case thoroughly, answer all your questions, and help you plan the best course of action.
