[Growth hormone therapy in adult patients: a review].

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can frequently be expected in hypopituitarism of adult patients. If GHD is proven by dynamic testing of the somatotrophic axis, growth hormone substitution is useful for improving quality of life, body composition, bone and lipid metabolism, and myocardial function according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine and is admitted by most national health authorities. There are no other reasonable indications for growth hormone treatment in adulthood.