Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment in Elderly Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hip Fracture / 대한정형외과연구학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate whether early recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) treatment in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture improves biochemical and functional recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2007 to December 2008, a total of 25 patients older than 60 years who underwent a gamma nailing surgery for an accidental hip fracture were randomized to be treated with either hGH (Declage(R), 3mg/week) (Group I: 15 patients) or placebo (Group II: 10 patients) at a postoperative 1, 2, 3 weeks, starting within 24 hour after the hip fracture. Mean age was 73.5 years. 6 cases were male and 19 cases were female. Serum IGF-I was measured by radioimmunoassay. Subjective and objective parameters were analyzed such as the mean mid-thigh circumference, change of weight, hand grip strength, functional recovery by Modified Barthel Index of activities of daily living (ADL). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean serum IGF-I, mid-thigh circumference, hand grip strength, Modified Barthel Index of activities of daily living between two groups. There were no significant differences in the change of weight. There were three nausea symptom after hGH injection, but no any general adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Early recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) treatment in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture showed clinical safety and good biochemical and functional recovery.