Consequences of growth hormone deficiency in adults and the benefits and risks of recombinant human growth hormone treatment. A review paper.
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults is now recognized as a specific clinical syndrome with characteristic symptoms and signs. Thus, the patients are overweight, have an abnormal body composition (excess body fat and a decrease in the extracellular water volume) and a low bone mineral content compared to normals. Furthermore, the GHD patients have lipid abnormalities, decreased insulin sensitivity and a decreased fibrinolysis. Finally, the 'quality of life' is low in terms of energy and social life. Short- and long-term studies with recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment have shown normalization of body composition, increase in the lipid pattern and marked improvement of the psychological well-being. The treatment seems safe with no serious side effects reported. In analogy with other hormonal replacement therapies, the rhGH dose should be individualized.
Rosén
T
T
Research Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, RCEM, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Johannsson
G
G
Johansson
J O
JO
Bengtsson
B A
BA
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012307:Risk Factors
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013006:Growth Hormone