Nutrient Intake and Body Composition Variables in Prader-Willi Syndrome - Effect of Growth Hormone Supplementation and Genetic Subtype

Abstract

In patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), limited information exists on the effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy, gender and genetic subtype on nutrient intake and body composition. We therefore compared GH-treated and nontreated patients, taking into account Tanner stage, gender, and genetic form. In 37 individuals with PWS (20/17 M/F; 21/16 GH+/GH-), dietary intake and body composition (BMI, DEXA) were assessed. Older GH-treated children (Tanner stage 3-4) displayed improved body composition variables (BMI, total and percentage fat mass, truncal fat) (p < 0.05), despite dietary intake similar to non-treated patients; younger children (Tanner stage 1-2) displayed a different pattern, despite greater total caloric and fat intake (p < 0.05) with GH treatment, with only minor differences in body composition. Genetic form and gender had no intrinsic effect on nutrient intake or body composition. In 37 patients with PWS, GH treatment selectively affected body composition (BMI, fat mass), and dietary fat intake based on patients' developmental status, while these variables were unaffected by gender or genetic subtype.