The combined administration of growth hormone, glutamine, and a modified diet enhanced nutrient absorption from the remnant bowel after massive intestinal resection. These changes occurred in a group of patients that had previously failed to adapt to the provision of enteral nutrients. This therapy may offer an alternative to long-term dependence on total parenteral nutrition for patients with severe short bowel syndrome.

GH administration accelerated protein gain in stable adult patients receiving aggressive nutritional therapy without a significant increase in body fat or a disproportionate expansion of ECW. GH therapy accelerated nutritional repletion and, therefore, may shorten the convalescence of the malnourished patient requiring a major surgical procedure.