Potential therapeutic applications of recombinant human growth hormone
(GH) in adults are under investigation in various clinical situations
. Patients with GH deficiency represent the more natural indication of
replacement therapy with GH; clinical trials have demonstrated a pote
nt metabolic effect with changes in body composition, and improvement
in quality of life and physical performances. This treatment is well t
olerated since the adverse effects related to fluid retention could be
suppressed by dose reduction. In aging, reduction in GH secretion is
considered partly responsible for some symptoms and GH treatment can b
e considered as replacement therapy. In short- and long-term treatment
s, the effects on body composition and subjective well-being are simil
ar to those obtained in younger GH-deficient adults. In catabolic cond
itions, nitrogen sparing is demonstrated in most patients. The effect
of GH treatment on final outcome is at present unknown.