Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 9, Issue 6 610-615, Copyright © 1990 by American College of Nutrition

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Growth hormone enables effective nutrition by peripheral vein in postoperative patients: a pilot study

S. L. Lehmann, K. M. Teasley, N. N. Konstantinides, F. Konstantinides and F. B. Cerra
Department of Nursing, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis 55455.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) (Humatrope, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN) administration in postoperative (PO) patients receiving peripheral vein nutrition. Seven, well-nourished, nondiabetic patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were given either no drug (n = 3), GH 30 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2), or GH 60 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2) sub-Q daily until eating, up to 7 days PO. All the patients received 5% dextrose with electrolytes in the first 24 hours PO and then received calories at 80 +/- 5% of the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) and amino acid at 1 g/kg/day with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. There were no significant outcome differences between the 30 and 60 micrograms/kg/day groups and, therefore, these groups were analyzed together (n = 4). By day 6 of the study, the GH group had a significant reduction in the respiratory quotient (RQ) measured by indirect calorimetry; an increase in nitrogen retention; an increase in plasma transferrin concentrations; and an increase in plasma insulinlike growth factor (IGF1) concentration. There was no increase in blood glucose concentrations, or decrease in urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion; and no adverse effects occurred. We concluded that GH in PO patients on hypocaloric nutrition promoted protein synthesis, fat oxidation, and nitrogen retention. Effective parenteral nutritional support in postoperative adult patients can be achieved without the use of central vein access.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Lehmann and F. B. Cerra Growth Hormone and Nutritional Support: Adverse Metabolic Effects Nutr Clin Pract, February 1, 1992; 7(1): 27 - 30. [Abstract] [PDF]