[Effect of growth hormone combined with nutritional support on postoperative fatigue syndrome in patients after abdominal operations].

OBJECTIVE: This is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in preventing the development or reducing the duration of postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS).

METHODS: Informed consent was obtained from each prospective subject. A total of 48 consecutive patients undergoing the elective abdominal operations were randomly divided into the rhGH group and the placebo group. The rhGH group was given daily rhGH 0.15 U/kg from day 3 to day 9 after operation. The two groups had similar nutritional intakes. Plasma proteins, fatigue (Christensen score) and body weight were investigated before and after operations. Nitrogen balance was measured from day 3 to day 9 after operation.

RESULTS: On postoperative day 10, the fatigue score in rhGH group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05); the level of fibronectin in rhGH group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive nitrogen balance was achieved and kept in the rhGH-treated group during the postoperative period from the third day onward, whereas it was not achieved in the control group till day 9 postoperatively. Cumulative nitrogen balance was significantly higher in rhGH group than in control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in weight loss after operation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The application of low doses of recombinant human growth hormone can improve positive nitrogen balance and reduce the courses of POFS. The serum fibronectin level is proved to be a reliable biochemical indicator of POFS.