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 weaned from the respirator. METHODS: A total of 53 patients were chosen by the primary surgical team in consultation with the critical care service to undergo HGH therapy. These patients had been receiving standard ICU support and had failed standard ventilator weaning protocols. As such, they were treated with HGH in an attempt to increase respiratory muscle strength and facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: General demographic information was recorded. Patients suffered from a high incidence of co-morbid conditions and infectious complications. The average duration of HGH therapy was 38 days, and 81% of the previously unweanable patients were eventually weaned from mechanical ventilation with an overall survival of 76%. Mortality as predicted by APACHE II Scores was significantly less than actual mortality (24% actual mortality vs. 42% predicted mortality, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This phase I study presents clinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of HGH in promoting respiratory independence in a selected group of surgical ICU patients. Randomized, blinded, controlled trials now seem warranted.