GROWTH-HORMONE TREATMENT FOR GROWTH-HORMONE DEFICIENT ADULTS

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in adults is now recognized as a clinic al syndrome with characteristic signs and symptoms. Numerous trials wi th daily subcutaneous biosynthetic human growth hormone (hGH) have bee n conducted in this patient group. Generally, improvements in insulin- like growth factor levels, decreases in total fat mass and increases i n lean body mass are recorded with no overall effect on total body wei ght. Variable effects on serum cholesterol, bone mineral density and q uality of life have also been reported. The true place of GH replaceme nt therapy in adults has yet to be defined. Several questions relating to the dose, duration of treatment, longterm side-effects, quality of life changes and health economic implications of treatment still need to be assessed.