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Effects of low dose versus high dose human growth hormone on body composition and lipids in adults with GH deficiency: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials

Pituitary volume 18, pages 297–305 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Doses of growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency are now lower than previously. However, it is not clear they are as effective as higher doses. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy of low to moderate dose (LD) GH replacement on standard endpoints of GH compared to higher doses.

Methods

A meta-analysis was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases from 1960 to 9/23/12. Three reviewers identified randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 6 months duration. Of 173 publications, 28 representing 22 trials (591 GH-treated patients and 562 placebo) were included. Data were independently extracted by three reviewers. Endpoints were analyzed if ≥4 studies per dose group reported baseline and 6 month data.

Results

Mean lean body mass (LBM) increased by 2.61 kg in GH-treated subjects versus 0.04 in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). Fat mass (FM) was reduced by −2.19 kg versus 0.31 (GH vs. placebo) (P = 0.0002). Changes in LBM and FM were dose-related (P = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively), high dose (HD) being more effective than low dose (LBM P = 0.03 and FM P = 0.04). In contrast, treatment with GH reduced total cholesterol −0.38 mmol/L versus. 0.01 (placebo) (P < 0.0001), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) −0.42 mmol/L versus −0.1 (P = 0.0009), but there were no differences between LD and HD GH.

Conclusions

LDs of hGH improve total- and LDL-C, and body composition. Higher doses are more effective on body composition, but not lipids.

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Fig. 1

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Acknowledgments

We thank Beatriz Mitrzyk, Harvey Kushner, Maryjo Dixon, Erin Mack and Heather Levitt for their assistance in preparing the manuscript. We also thank Katalin Frisch, MD, who worked on this concept early on. Supported in part by Novo Nordisk which provided funds to do library research and statistical analysis.

Conflict of interest

C.B.N. and J.D.C. have nothing to declare. D.L.K. has received consulting fees from Novo Nordisk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Connie B. Newman & David L. Kleinberg

  2. VA New York Harbor Health System, New York, NY, 10010, USA

    Connie B. Newman & David L. Kleinberg

  3. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA

    John D. Carmichael

  4. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 423 E 23rd Street Room 16043 W, New York, NY, 10010, USA

    David L. Kleinberg

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  1. Connie B. Newman
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  3. David L. Kleinberg
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Correspondence to David L. Kleinberg.

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Newman, C.B., Carmichael, J.D. & Kleinberg, D.L. Effects of low dose versus high dose human growth hormone on body composition and lipids in adults with GH deficiency: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials. Pituitary 18, 297–305 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-014-0571-z

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Keywords

  • Growth hormone
  • GH deficient adults
  • Lipids
  • Body composition