Renal and metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) during chronic renal failure

We report the renal and metabolic effects of a 40 day administration of recombinant human growth hormone in a 31 years old diabetic and GH-deficient patient who underwent a kidney and pancreas transplantation. The data show an increase in glomerular filtration rate, tubular reabsorption of phosphate, and plasma hemoglobin level. Anabolism is suggested from a decrease in serum urea nitrogen and an increase in muscle mass (increase in plasma creatinine). These positive effects might be partly explained by an overcome of endogenous growth hormone resistance when administering pharmacological doses of recombinant growth hormone.