Growth hormone deficiency in adults--an indication for therapy?

Case studies are presented for two patients, one with isolated hGH deficiency and one with multiple hormone deficiencies. The patients were studied 3 months before, and 3 and 9 months after discontinuing hGH therapy, at 19 and 18 years of age, respectively. Strength in the quadriceps femoris, cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscles and cross-sectional muscle fibre area were measured. In the patient with multiple hormone deficiencies, clear decreases in all three parameters were evident after discontinuing hGH treatment. There were no significant changes in the other patient. Reasons for these differences are discussed.