Diagnosis and management of growth hormone deficiency in adults

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurs in patients with pituitary or hypothalamic disease. It may be asymptomatic or present with relatively non-specific constitutional symptoms. Most patients have abnormal body composition, consisting of increased fat mass, decreased lean mass, and decreased bone density. Life expectancy is significantly decreased in hypopituitary patients with GHD, with cardiovascular disease being a common cause of death. Treatment with growth hormone (GH) reverses abnormalities in body composition, and may reduce cardiovascular risk factors.