Potential therapeutic applications of growth hormone in adults.

Potential therapeutic applications of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) in adults are under investigation in various clinical situations. Patients with GH deficiency represent the more natural indication of replacement therapy with GH; clinical trials have demonstrated a potent metabolic effect with changes in body composition, and improvement in quality of life and physical performances. This treatment is well tolerated since the adverse effects related to fluid retention could be suppressed by dose reduction. In aging, reduction in GH secretion is considered partly responsible for some symptoms and GH treatment can be considered as replacement therapy. In short- and long-term treatments, the effects on body composition and subjective well-being are similar to those obtained in younger GH-deficient adults. In catabolic conditions, nitrogen sparing is demonstrated in most patients. The effect of GH treatment on final outcome is at present unknown.