[Growth hormone therapy in adults].

In adult patients with growth hormone deficiency due to organic hypopituitarism, substitution with growth hormone is very useful and well established. Positive influence on numerous target parameters has been investigated in randomised controlled trials (evidence level I) and could be documented. Thus, growth hormone substitution in hypopituitarism is scientifically founded and has been admitted by the authorities in the European Union. Concerning pharmacotherapy with growth hormone in healthy elderly persons without pituitary disease and also doping in sports, the situation is completely different. Use of growth hormone in these circumstances has not sufficiently been investigated concerning indications, efficacy and safety. Ethical and economical aspects have not been evaluated yet. Serious concerns about the therapeutic safety need to be considered.