The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis in critical illness

Over the past several years, we have studied a variety of clinical conditions that are characterized by significant alterations in the GH/IGF system that might contribute to catabolism. Our studies have focused in detail on IGF-I and -II and the major IGFBPs in the circulation, IGFBP-3, -1, and -2; GH was also measured in some of these studies. In light of a recent study that has raised concerns about the use of GH in critically ill patients, we now review the changes in the GH/IGF axis during critical illness, the interaction between cytokines and the GH/IGF axis, and the safety and efficacy of GH therapy in critical illness. We conclude that it is premature to recommend interruption of GH therapy in patients with documented GH deficiency during periods of acute illness.