Open Access
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
Author(s) -
Jung Hee Kim
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the korean journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2289-0769
pISSN - 1738-9364
DOI - 10.3904/kjm.2021.96.5.400
Subject(s) - medicine , growth hormone deficiency , endocrinology , growth hormone , skeletal muscle , fragility , insulin resistance , quality of life (healthcare) , hormone , insulin , chemistry , nursing
Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency is associated with insulin resistance, elevated cardiovascular risk profile, increased fat mass, reduced muscle mass, skeletal fragility, and impaired quality of life. GH replacement therapy improves body composition, exercise capacity, skeletal health, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality of life, while reducing mortality. Prior to initiation of GH replacement therapy, it is essential to diagnose GH deficiency via a GH stimulation test in adults suspicious of such deficiency. Therapy should be started using (individualized) low dose of GH, followed by titration to the normal range of insulin-like growth factor-1. Clinical improvements should be monitored and side effects should be minimized.