Bone mineral density in young adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover GH trial

ContextThe prevalence of osteoporosis is increased in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In children with PWS, growth hormone (GH) treatment has beneficial effects on bone mineral density (BMD). BMD might deteriorate after cessation of GH at adult height (AH), while continuing GH might maintain BMD. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of GH vs placebo, and furthermore the effects of sex steroid replacement therapy (SSRT), on BMD in GH-treated young adults with PWS who had attained AH. DesignTwo-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover GH study. PatientsTwenty-seven young adults with PWS were stratified for gender and BMI and then randomly and blindly assigned to receive GH (0.67mg/m(2)/day) or placebo for 1 year, after which they crossed over to the alternative treatment for another year. MeasurementsBone mineral density of the total body (BMDTB) and lumbar spine (BMDLS) SDS were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. ResultsAt AH, BMDTBSDS was significantly lower compared to healthy peers (P<.01), while BMAD(LS)SDS was similar. Both BMDTBSDS and BMAD(LS)SDS were similar during 1year of GH vs 1year of placebo. In hypogonadal young adults without SSRT, BMDTBSDS and BMAD(LS)SDS decreased during the 2-year study (P=.11 and P=.01), regardless of GH or placebo, while BMDTBSDS increased in those with SSRT (P<.01). ConclusionsCompared to GH treatment, 1year of placebo after attainment of AH does not deteriorate BMD SDS in young adults with PWS. In addition, our data suggest that GH is not able to prevent the decline in BMD SDS in hypogonadal young adults with PWS, unless it is combined with SSRT.