Canadian guidelines for the management of adult growth hormone deficiency.
OBJECTIVE
To develop guidelines for the management of growth hormone (GH) deficiency in Canadian adults to facilitate rational use of GH in appropriate indications.


METHODS
The guidelines were developed by group of endocrinologists and an endocrine specialist nurse with an interest in neuroendocrine disorders, representing all regions of Canada and practicing in a variety of settings. A steering committee with broad expertise undertook a systematic review of the evidence relating to adult GHD and GH replacement. This evidence was reviewed by the whole group, and guidelines were developed using a consensus approach.


RESULTS
The document addresses the causes and clinical characteristics of GHD in adults and reviews the evidence in support of GH replacement in this group. The authors provide recommendations for the identification of adult GHD, and guidelines for GH replacement in appropriate patients. Also, access to GH therapy across Canada is reviewed.
Ur
Ehud
E
Division of Endocrinology, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. ehud.ur@dal.ca
Serri
Omar
O
Legg
Karen
K
Murphy
Liam J
LJ
Ezzat
Shereen
S
D000328:Adult; D004493:Education; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000592:standards; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009452:Neuroendocrinology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D009864:Ontario; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D019382:Human Growth Hormone