The effects of human growth hormone administration in elderly adults with recent weight loss

The effects of human GH administration in elderly adults with recent weight loss were investigated in a metabolic ward study. Four patients were studied for 20 days. In addition to a constant caloric and nitrogen-sufficient diet, consisting of the recommended amounts of protein and energy plus 20%, the patients received GH in dosages of 25 and 50 micrograms/kg.day for two 4-day periods (days 5-8 and 13-16, respectively). Significant increases in nitrogen retention of 1.6 (114.2) and 1.4 g/day (100 mmol/day), respectively, occurred compared with that in the control periods. No difference was found between the two GH dosages, but the nitrogen-retaining effect of the higher dose appeared to last for several days after its administration was stopped. Plasma insulin-like growth factor I levels rose during both treatment periods. No important disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism occurred. Body weight increased 2.3 kg during each treatment period, probably due to water retention. We conclude that even during more than adequate nutritional intake, low GH doses cause considerable nitrogen retention in underweight adults.