The specific effects of GH deficiency in adults, and the importance of GH secretion in adult life, have only recently been elucidated and documented with the help of carefully controlled clinical trials involving patients on GH replacement therapy.
The features of the GH deficiency syndrome have been deduced from placebo-controlled trials of GH replacement therapy given to adults with GH deficiency who are receiving full and adequate replacement of all other hormones. A summary of the clinical and biochemical features that have to date been identified as being attributable to GH deficiency is given in Fig. 2.26.
