[Growth hormone deficiency and its treatment in adults]

Deficiency of growth hormone produced in the pituitary is manifested not only in children by impaired growth but also in adults. It is encountered most frequently in adults after surgery or irradiation in the hypothalamo-pituitary area, less frequently in idiopathic disorders of growth hormone production and secretion, either isolated or in conjunction with other trophic pituitary hormones. The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency must be assessed by dynamic stimulation tests: most frequently the insulin stimulation test is used. Growth hormone deficiency in adult age is manifested by various non-specific symptoms which resemble symptoms (manifestations) of ageing: increase of adipose tissue, deterioration of lipid metabolism, osteopenia, impaired cardiac output and others; the symptoms recede partly if growth hormone is administered for a prolonged period. Clinical trials which are under way should define not only suitable indications but also ways of administration of this expensive treatment.