Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of pre-operation use of recombinant human growth Sixty patients with hormone (rhGH) for liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension and hypoproteinemia.
Methods: Sixty patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension and hypoproteinemia (child's class B) were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and rhGH group (n = 30). The patients in the rhGH group were given subcutaneously growth hormone at a dose of 4 i.u. per day for five days before operation. All patients were given the same parenteral nutrition before operation. The levels of albumin, globulin, prealbumin, and blood sugar were measured before and 3, 4, and 5 days after given the hormone. Results The prealbumin increased 3 days after given the hormone (P < 0.05), while the albumin increased 5 days after given the hormone (P < 0.05). The general condition and the quality of life of the patients receiving the hormone improved. No side effects had been found. The blood sugar and globulin did not change over time in both groups.
Conclusion: The pre-operation use of the recombinant human growth hormone may benefit to the alleviation of hypoproteinemia and to the improvement of the quality of life of the patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension and hypoproteinemia when combined with the use of parenteral nutrition.