The GH/IGF-1 system in critical illness

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Oct;25(5):759-67. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2011.06.002.

Abstract

The Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) axis plays a pivotal role in critical illness, with a derangement leading to profound changes in metabolism. Protein wasting with skeletal muscle loss, delayed wound healing, and impaired recovery of organ systems are some of the most feared consequences. The use of human recombinant Growth Hormone (rhGH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) - alone and in combination - has been studied extensively in preclinical and clinical trials. This article reviews the current knowlegde and clinical practice of the use of rhGh and IGF-1 in critically ill patients, with a special focus on the trauma and burns patient population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anabolic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Burns / drug therapy
  • Burns / therapy
  • Critical Care / trends
  • Critical Illness / therapy*
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / therapeutic use*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects
  • Wounds and Injuries / drug therapy
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I