Application of recombinant human growth hormone to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory muscle weakness difficult to off-line ventilation

Objective To evaluate the benefit of recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) applied to the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and respiratory muscle weakness difficult to off-line ventilation. Methods Twenty-eight patients with COPD and respiratory failure difficult to off-line ventilation were divided into rhGH group(n=14) who received rhGH 0.1 U/kg subcutaneous injection and control group(n=14) who divided NS subcutaneous injection. Mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, total serum protein, albumin and blood glucose were observed and compared in the two groups. Results As compared with control group, duration of mechanical ventilation was shortened(P 0.05), albumin level was increased(P 0.05), real mortality decreased(P 0.05) significantly in rhGH group. But no obvious change was observed in blood glucose level. Conclusion Administration of rhGH on mechanically ventilated patients with COPD and respiratory failure can effectively shorten the mechanical ventilation duration, reduce the mortality rate, improve the nutrition status and respiratory muscle strength.