Growth Factors in Nutritional Support

Protein catabolism occurs in the severely stressed patient despite adequate protein supplementation. Supplementation of endogenous growth factors is one mechanism being evaluated to promote anabolism and improve nitrogen retention. Recombinant technology has provided a means to reproduce these endogenous growth factors. Both recombinant human growth hormone (rGH) and recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (rhIGf‐1) are undergoing clinical trials to establish their roles in nutritional support. 1993 Pharmacotherapy Publications Inc.