Growth hormone treatment for adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: a meta-analysis
Abstract Context Features of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) overlap with features of growth hormone (GH) deficiency, like small hands and feet, short stature, increased body fat and low muscle mass and strength. In children with PWS, GH treatment (GHt) improves physical health and cognition. GHt has become standard of care in PWS children, but in adults this is not yet the case. Objective To provide an overview of the current knowledge on GHt in PWS adults. Data source Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Study selection Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized (un)controlled trials (NRCTs) that reported data for adults with PWS, who received GHt for at least six months. Data extraction Data on body composition, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular endpoints, bone, cognitive function, quality of life and safety were extracted. Data synthesis Nine RCTs and 20 NRCTs were included. Body composition improved during 12 months of GHt with an increase in mean (95% CI) lean body mass of 1.95 kg (0.04 – 3.87 kg), and a reduction of mean (95% CI) fat mass of -2.23% (-4.10% to -0.36%). BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, fasting glucose levels and bone mineral density did not change during GHt. There were no major safety issues. Conclusion GHt appears to be safe and improves body composition in adults with PWS. As poor body composition is closely linked to the observed high incidence of cardiovascular morbidity in adults with PWS, improving body composition might reduce cardiovascular complications in this vulnerable patient group.