A somatropin preparation (Zorbtive) produced by recombinant DNA technology has been evaluated in patients with short bowel syndrome. Somatropin is thought to enhance intestinal adaptation in this condition through direct or indirect effects on the intestine. In a randomised, double-blind study in patients with short bowel syndrome who were dependent on intravenous parenteral nutrition (IPN) [n = 41], recipients of subcutaneous somatropin alone or somatropin plus oral glutamine had significantly greater mean reductions from baseline in weekly total IPN volume than recipients of placebo plus glutamine. All patients received a special diet. In addition, significantly greater mean reductions from baseline in weekly total IPN calories and the mean frequency of IPN or supplemental lipid emulsion administration occurred in patients receiving somatropin alone or in combination with glutamine, compared with recipients of placebo plus glutamine. Adverse events were reported in 100% of patients with short bowel syndrome during treatment with somatropin with or without glutamine. However, a high proportion of patients also reported signs and symptoms before starting therapy or adverse events after therapy, suggesting that such patients experience numerous events attributable to their underlying condition or to complications of IPN.