• Vinita Bhagia, Charles Gilkison, Robert H Fitts, Dennis J Zgaljardic, Walter M High, Brent E Masel, Randall J Urban, and Kurt A Mossberg.
• University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
• Brain Inj. 2010 Jan 1; 24 (3): 560-7.

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of growth hormone (GH) replacement in an individual who sustained mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as an adult and was found to have GH deficiency by glucagon stimulation testing.ParticipantA 43-year old woman who sustained a mild TBI at age 37 years. She was 6.8 years post-injury when she began supplementation.InterventionRecombinant human GH (rhGH) subcutaneously per day for 1 year.Main Outcome MeasuresSingle fibre muscle function was evaluated from muscle biopsies. Body composition, muscle strength and peak aerobic capacity were also measured. In addition, neuropsychological tests of memory, processing speed and motor dexterity and speed, as well as a self-report depression inventory were administered. All assessments were performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of rhGH replacement therapy.ResultsSingle muscle fibre changes were greatest at 6 months. Body composition showed continuous improvement. Muscle strength improved for knee extension. Peak oxygen consumption increased at 6 months and total work and ventilatory equivalents continued to improve at 12 months. Significant improvements in neuropsychological test performance were not found, with the exception of performance on a test of motor dexterity and speed.ConclusionrhGH replacement in a subject with GH deficiency after mild TBI improves muscle force production, body composition and aerobic capacity. Reliable improvements on tests of cognition were not found in this subject.

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