Interní Med. 2005; 7(5): 237-240

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

doc. MUDr. Jan Čáp CSc

I. interní klinika Fakultní nemocnice v Hradci Králové

Growth hormone has important metabolic effects and its secretion is lower but continues in adulthood. The development of recombinant growth hormone in the mid-1980s, has led to the description of adult growth hormone deficiency syndrome. It consists of mental impairment (decreased well-being and energy, increased anxiety and social isolation), abnormal body composition (increase of visceral fat and decrease of lean body mass), decreased bone mineral density with increased fracture risk, impairment of heart functions and a number of abnormalities (lipid profile, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction) predisposing to premature atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies indeed confirmed increased cardiovascular mortality rate in hypopituitary patients substituted with all hormones with the exception of growth hormone. GH replacement is indicated in every patient with proved severe deficiency. It is contraindicated only in patients with active malignant disease and advanced diabetic retinopathy. It is safe and is able to normalize or at least improve almost all of the above mentioned signs. Long-term follow-up of large patient cohorts should provide meaningful data on the effects of GH on fracture rates and overall mortality.

Keywords: Key words: hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency, adults, replacement therapy.

Published: January 1, 2006  Show citation