Treatment of growth hormone deficiency in adults

Abstract

Background: The Growth Hormone Research Society held a Consensus Workshop in Sydney, Australia, in March 2007 to review advances in the management of growth hormone (GH) deficiency in adults and to update consensus recommendations.

Objective: This short review summarizes key background information presented at the workshop and the consensus recommendations that followed.

Conclusions: The benefits of GH replacement in GH-deficient adults are evident throughout life. Clinical response to treatment should be assessed by monitoring biochemistry values, body composition and quality of life. There is no evidence that GH replacement increases the risk of tumour recurrence or de novo malignancy.