Position Statements

Position Statement on Growth Hormone Replacement of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults

The EndocrineSociety of Australia (ESA) holds the view that adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency are not normal and have impaired health. Such patients have a characteristic clinical syndrome which include abnormal body composition, reduced physical fitness, increased cardiovascular risk factors, osteopaenia and impaired psychological function. Based on evidence that GH replacement is beneficial, the ESA endorses the principle that adults with GH deficiency should be considered for GH replacement therapy. Such patients must be accurately diagnosed. Patients with a history of organic hypothalamic-pituitary disease exhibiting characteristics of the GH deficient syndrome and who fulfil the diagnostic criteria defined by the Growth Hormone Research Society should be considered eligible for treatment. The ESA recommends the therapeutic guidelines of the Growth Hormone Research Society* for the treatment and monitoring of GH deficient patients on GH therapy.

*Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency: summary statement of the Growth Hormone Research Society Workshop on Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:379-381, 1998.

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