Effect of Growth Hormone, Glutamine, and Diet on Body Composition in Short Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Abstract

Treatment with growth hormone, glutamine, and HCLF diet resulted in decreased percent body fat and increased body weight and LBM in patients with SBS, without an increase in macronutrient or fluid absorption. The positive findings are most likely a reflection of increased extracellular fluid because all eight patients developed peripheral edema on active treatment. Furthermore, the positive effect of active treatment does not appear to be sustained once discontinued.