Is there a role for growth hormone in the clinical management of burn injuries?

GH is a potent anabolic agent that offers distinct advantages to the hypercatabolic paediatric burns patient. GH can be administered with minimal risk of untoward side-effects in this patient group. GH reduces the catabolic effects of trauma, both directly and indirectly, through stimulation of protein synthesis. Accelerated wound healing and reduction in tissue-wasting effects are clear benefits that reduce the overall morbidity associated with burn injury in children. Further applications of GH treatment will stem from ongoing investigations that are examining alternative delivery methods, long-term treatment beyond the acute hospitalization phase, and combination therapy with beta-blockers, antiglucocorticoids or other growth factors.