Growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency: benefits and cost-effectiveness

Abstract

In recent years, growth hormone deficiency in adults has been accepted as a clinical entity. Although beneficial effects of growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) in adults – including improvements in body composition, lipid profile, quality of life and bone mineral density – have been shown in many studies, there are still controversies and ongoing debates regarding GHRT in adults. It seems that this subject will continue to be a hot topic in the near future. Therefore, the aim of this review is to re-evaluate the current understanding on GHRT in adults in the light of recent data. Additionally, the clinical aspects, risks, benefits and cost–effectiveness of GHRT are summarized.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular risk factors
• cost–effectiveness
• growth hormone
• growth hormone deficiency
• growth hormone replacement therapy
• lipid profile
• osteoporosis
• quality of life
• recombinant human growth hormone