Effects of recombinant human growth hormone in catabolic adults with chronic renal failure

Growth hormone (GH) has been used for the treatment of catabolism in a few pilot studies and in two placebo-controlled studies of 6 months duration. Treatment with GH in doses of 2-4 IU/m2/day (0.67-1.33 mg/m2/day) resulted in clear anabolic effects and a significant change in body composition. Lean body mass increased by more than 3 kg within 6 months, whereas fat mass was decreased by the same amount, resulting in a constant total body weight. As there were no major side-effects, controlled long-term studies are justified.