ObjectiveTo investigate the role of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). MethodsThirty-eight patients with MODS routinely treated with antibiotics and nutrition support were divided into two groups: the rhGH group and control group. The rhGH group was treated by subcutaneous injection of 5 U rhGH for two weeks. ResultsOn the 7th day of treatment, the score of APACHE Ⅱ in the rhGH group was much higher than the control group, the levels of ALT, AST, BUN and Cre did not change much compared with the control group. The level of albumin in the rhGH group increased (P＜0.05). The stay in ICU, time of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay decreased compared with the control group (P＜0.05). ConclusionrhGH can effectively improve the pathophysiology of critically ill patients and has no side effects on the function of liver and kidney, meanwhile it can shorten hospital stay and decrease mortality.