[Growth hormone therapy in adults]

GH deficiency in adults is associated with decreased lean body mass and increased adiposity. Since body composition changes in the elderly are similar to those of GH deficiency and can be partially reversed by hGH replacement, it has been postulated that the diminished GH secretion in the later years of life may contribute to the geriatric changes in body composition. GH treatment of GH-deficient adults or old men increases nitrogen retention, lean body mass, decreases percent of body fat. Clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of hGH in several disorders associated with protein catabolism. The short-term adverse effects of GH therapy have been minimized by using low-dose regimens. GH treatment is justified to certain elderly patients, such as those suffering mainly from catabolic illnesses, malnourishment, burns, cachexia, and can be considered in GH-deficient adults.