Cardiovascular and Renal Effects	

The antinatriuretic action of GH has been known for a long time but is seldom a problem in the treatment of children. Clinical evidence of the effects of GH on sodium and water retention has been evident in nearly all of the studies that have been performed in adults with GH deficiency. Weight gain, dependent oedema, and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome have been found to occur early (often within days or weeks) in patients on GH replacement, and usually resolve promptly (within days or weeks) on dose reduction, or more slow (after several months) with no dose reduction. Despite these obvious and quite marked effects on sodium retention, changes in blood pre sure are much less obvious, with hypertension being an uncommon side effect which responds quickly to a dose reduction.