The effect of growth hormone on 24-h urinary creatinine levels in burned patients

Catabolism is increased in burned patients. Creatinine excreted in urine is accepted as an indicator of catabolism of muscle mass. Growth hormone (GH) is one of the most potent anabolic agents. We investigated the effect of GH on 24-h urinary creatinine levels as an indicator of catabolism of muscle mass in burned patients. In 20 patients with severe burns, 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days following hospitalisation. Then the patients were divided into two groups of 10. In the study group, following investigation of 24-h urinary creatinine levels for 3 days, GH 0.1 mg/kg was injected subcutaneously three times in a week. Following the last dose of GH. 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days again. In the control group, an equal volume of isotonic saline solution was injected at the same times instead of GH, and 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days again. Mean burn size and age were not significantly different between the groups. 24-h urinary creatinine level obtained in the early period was 48.5 +/- 16.6 mg/day in the study group and 49.9 +/- 11.3 mg/day in the control group. There was no statistical difference between these two values (p > 0.5). 24-h average urinary creatinine level obtained in the late period was 36.6 +/- 16.4 mg/day in the study group and 50.6 +/- 9.9 mg/day in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the comparison of early and late 24-h urinary creatinine levels in the study group, there was a statistically significant difference between these two values (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no difference between early and late 24-h urinary creatinine levels (p > 0.5). We concluded that GH is effective in decreasing urinary creatinine excretion. This decrease in urinary creatinine excretion may be associated with diminished muscle catabolism. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.