Recombinant human growth hormone therapy in HIV-associated wasting and visceral adiposity.

This article reviews the clinical data on recombinant human growth hormone therapy of body composition abnormalities in HIV-infected patients. Short-term recombinant human growth hormone therapy at pharmacologic doses modestly increases total body weight and lean body mass in patients with HIV wasting, resulting in improvements in physical capacity and quality of life. Short-term recombinant human growth hormone therapy has a clear dose-dependent impact on trunk and visceral fat in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation, resulting in improvements in perception of body image and a beneficial effect on lipid parameters. Recombinant human growth hormone therapy is also accompanied by dose-dependent side effects related to fluid retention and increased insulin resistance. The optimal treatment strategy, maintenance dose and duration of treatment have not been identified.