Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

Full Guideline: Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
JCEM June 2011
Mark E. Molitch, David R. Clemmons, Saul Malozowski, George R. Merriam, Mary Lee Vance

Objective:

The aim was to update The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) previously published in 2006.

Conclusions:

• GHD can persist from childhood or be newly acquired.
   
• Confirmation through stimulation testing is usually required unless there is a proven genetic/structural lesion persistent from childhood.
   
• GH therapy offers benefits in body composition, exercise capacity, skeletal integrity, and quality of life measures and is most likely to benefit those patients who have more severe GHD.
   
• The risks associated with GH treatment are low.
   
• GH dosing regimens should be individualized.
   
• The final decision to treat adults with GHD requires thoughtful clinical judgment with a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks specific to the individual.

Read the Full Guideline