Systematic review: safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly
GH produced small mean reductions in fat mass and increases in lean mass, with no significant body-weight change and limited effects on other outcomes.
What this study tells us
This study reviewed or combined evidence from multiple studies. It can show the overall direction of a field, but its conclusion still depends on the quality and relevance of the studies it included.
Community-dwelling adults, mean age about 69, without a specific GH-deficiency indication
n=220 GH-treated completers
GH produced small mean reductions in fat mass and increases in lean mass, with no significant body-weight change and limited effects on other outcomes.
Small heterogeneous trials; applies to healthy elderly people, not replacement treatment for confirmed GH deficiency.
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Key result
GH produced small mean reductions in fat mass and increases in lean mass, with no significant body-weight change and limited effects on other outcomes.