USE OF GROWTH-HORMONE FOR POSTOPERATIVE RESPIRATORY-FAILURE

BACKGROUND: The authors examined the efficacy of human growth hormone (HGH) in patients dependent on mechanical ventilation who were being w eaned from the respirator. METHODS: A total of 53 patients were chosen by the primary surgical team in consultation with the critical care s ervice to undergo HGH therapy. These patients had been receiving stand ard ICU support and had failed standard ventilator weaning protocols. As such, they were treated with HGH in an attempt to increase respirat ory muscle strength and facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation . RESULTS: General demographic information was recorded. Patients suff ered from a high incidence of co-morbid conditions and infectious comp lications. The average duration of HGH therapy was 38 days, and 81% of the previously unweanable patients were eventually weaned from mechan ical ventilation with an overall survival of 76%. Mortality as predict ed by APACHE II Scores was significantly less than actual mortality (2 4% actual mortality vs. 42% predicted mortality, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION S: This phase I study presents clinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of HGH in promoting respiratory independence in a select ed group of surgical ICU patients. Randomized, blinded, controlled tri als now seem warranted.