The effect of recombinant growth hormone on nitrogen balance in malnourished patients after major abdominal surgery.
The effect of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) on nitrogen balance was studied in malnourished patients receiving total parenteral nutrition after major abdominal surgery. Fifteen patients were randomized to receive either subcutaneous rGH (0.2 iu/kg) or placebo (saline) injection daily for seven days after surgery. Positive nitrogen balance was achieved throughout the treatment period with rGH administration and was significant on days 3 and 6. This was associated with increase in mid-arm muscle circumference and significant weight gain. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration was significantly raised in the rGH group at day 7, suggesting its role in the anabolic effect of growth hormone. Plasma pre-albumin and retinol-binding protein concentrations were raised in both the rGH and control groups, indicating improvement in the nutritional status. We conclude that the postoperative catabolic response can be attenuated using recombinant growth hormone.
Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.
W K
WK
Wong
K C
KC
Soo
R
R
Nambiar
Y S
YS
Tan
S L
SL
Yo
I K
IK
Tan
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D013006:Growth Hormone; D009584:Nitrogen