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Treatment of Mongolism with Pituitary Extract

Fountain Hospital, London

Ursula Mittwoch, Ph.D.^*

Gallon Laboratory, University College, London

^* External Scientific Staff, Medical Research Council.

ABSTRACT

One of each of three matched pairs of mongols, aged 16 to 48 months, was given 100 tibia units of "Somacton" (a growth hormone preparation extracted from hog pituitary glands) subcutaneously, daily, for 6 months, the other receiving a daily control injection of 0.5 ml. normal saline. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups after the trial in terms of intelligence, weight, height, head circumference and serum calcium and phosphate levels. Nor were there apparent differences in appearance, behaviour, skull X-ray and electroencephalographic findings. Those receiving pituitary extract showed, during treatment, an increase in neutrophil counts; these changes did not occur in those receiving placebo. There was no consistent change in lymphocyte counts in either group.

This small study lends support to the view that porcine and similar pituitary growth hormones are of no value in mongolism. It is suggested that human and monkey preparations should be tried.