The outcomes of growth hormone therapy in the obstructive sleep apnea parameters of Prader–Willi syndrome patients: a systematic review

Purpose Prader–Willi syndrome is a serious genetic condition, capable of causing endocrinological imbalance, which has as one of its main treatments the growth hormone therapy. However, this therapy still causes some uncertainty concerning its effects on the respiratory parameters of those patients, especially in cases of obstructive sleep apnea, therefore, presenting a need for the analysis of the relationship between the therapy and the otolaryngologic condition. Methods A systematic review following the PRISMA model was developed, with searches for keywords made in the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science and registration in the PROSPERO platform (CRD42023404250). Results Three randomized controlled trials were considered eligible for inclusion in the review. None of the studies demonstrated statistically significant modifications in the obstructive sleep apnea parameters of Prader–Willi patients related to the growth hormone administration. Conclusions Growth hormone therapy is safe for Prader–Willi syndrome patients when analyzing their obstructive sleep apnea parameters.