Controversial Treatment Limits Disabled Child's Growth

Jan. 5, 2007 — -- For one family, the realization that their six-year-old daughter, Ashley, would soon outgrow their care was overwhelming.

Born with brain damage from a condition called static encephalopathy, Ashley would never walk, talk, eat or sit up on her own. Her mental abilities would never develop past that of a six-month-old baby, and she would rely completely on her parents for care.

At just 4 feet 5 inches tall, it was easy for Ashley's parents to change her diapers, feed her and bathe her. But before long, she would likely grow to nearly 5 feet 6 inches. That would mean it would take two or more people to carry her anywhere.

Her father was faced with the realization that, instead of his own arms, a machine would soon be needed to lift his baby girl. And any trips or vacations the family took would become increasingly difficult.

Looking for a way to keep their daughter at home and provide her with the care she needed, Ashley's family went to the Seattle Children's Hospital for answers.

There, they learned about an unusual medical option -- a treatment to limit Ashley's growth so she would grow no larger than a six-year-old child.

The highly controversial treatment, called growth attenuation, required giving the six-year-old high doses of estrogen that would close her bone plates, putting an end to her growth.

This means Ashley would grow no larger than 4 feet 5 inches, and her weight would top out at about 75 pounds.

At this size, Ashley's parents could continue to care for her themselves, and she would be less likely to develop infections such as bed sores and pneumonia.

"It was in her best interest to keep small, not only for her family but also for the medical benefit," said Dr. Daniel Gunther, the pediatric endocrinologist who oversaw Ashley's treatment.

Additionally, Ashley's parents worried about her developing breasts, as the family had a history of breast cancer. They were also concerned about her future menstruation, which could cause her alarm and discomfort.