Study record · Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone)
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.
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.
Study details
Study designSystematic review of randomized controlled trials
PopulationCommunity-dwelling adults, mean age about 69, without a specific GH-deficiency indication
Sample size220 GH-treated completers
RouteMostly subcutaneous
Regimen / exposureVaried across included RCTs; mean initial dose about 14 microg/kg/day
DurationMean ~27 weeks
ComparatorNo GH / lifestyle control
Primary endpoint / questionBody composition, metabolic outcomes and adverse events in healthy older adults
Safety resultEdema, arthralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and gynecomastia were increased; glucose-dysregulation signals were also noted.
Key limitationsSmall heterogeneous trials; applies to healthy elderly people, not replacement treatment for confirmed GH deficiency.
Registry / identifierPMID 17227934