Study: GH Therapy Improves Bones In Children With Cerebral Palsy

A small preliminary study shows that growth hormone therapy may help improve bone mineral density in children suffering from cerebral palsy—a neurological condition often characterized by decreased muscle mass, osteopenia, increased fracture risk, and short stature.

Researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles conducted the study to analyze the effects of growth hormone therapy on children with cerebral palsy.

Study Details

The participants in the study included 12 males—between 4 and 15 years of age—who suffer from bone complications associated with their condition.

The children were divided into two groups. One group received injections of growth hormone therapy for 18 months to test its effects on linear growth, bone mineral density, and overall improvement in body composition. The other group received no treatments.

After 18 months, 10 participants—five in each group—completed the study. Researchers noted changes in spinal bone mineral density, biochemical markers, linear growth, and function measures in both groups.

They concluded that growth hormone therapy treatments for a period of 18 months significantly improved linear growth and spinal bone density in children with cerebral palsy.

Contact a cerebral palsy lawyer who can help protect your child's rights.