Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Suicides in National Hormone Pituitary Program Recipients of Cadaver-Derived Human Growth Hormone
Joseph Y Abrams1, James L Mills2, Lawrence B Schonberger1
1Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Context:
Numerous reports of suicide among individuals who received cadaver-derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) through the National Hormone Pituitary Program (NHPP) raised the alarm for potentially increased suicide risk.
Objective:
We conducted a study to assess suicide risk in the NHPP cohort and identify contributing factors to facilitate early recognition and intervention.
Methods:
The study population consisted of patients receiving NHPP c-hGH starting from 1957, and cohort deaths with an ICD code consistent with suicide or possible suicide through 2020 were evaluated. Descriptive data were extracted from medical records. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare the observed number of suicide deaths in the cohort to the expected number were calculated using general population suicide rates by sex, age group, and time period.
Results:
Among 6272 patients there were 1200 all-cause cohort deaths, of which 55 (52 male, 3 female) were attributed to suicide. Of these, 47 were identified by ICD code alone compared to an expected count of 37.8 (SMR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.91-1.66). Among male cohort members, the SMR was 1.33 (95% CI 0.97-1.78). Elevated risk of suicide was detected for cohort members aged 25-34 (SMR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.06-2.83) and during the period from September 19, 1985, to December 31, 1998 (SMR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.65).
Conclusion:
Overall, the observed number of suicides among NHPP c-hGH recipients was not significantly higher than expected. However, certain subgroups may be at elevated risk of suicide. Studies are needed to better understand the nature and magnitude of suicide risk among c-hGH recipients to facilitate early intervention to prevent suicide deaths.
Insights
Suicide risk in the National Hormone Pituitary Program (NHPP) cohort treated with cadaver-derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) was assessed. While overall risk was not significantly elevated, specific subgroups showed increased suicide risk, necessitating further research for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Public Health
- Epidemiology of Suicide Risk
Background:
- Reports of suicide among recipients of cadaver-derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) from the National Hormone Pituitary Program (NHPP) prompted concern.
- The potential link between c-hGH treatment and increased suicide risk required thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suicide risk within the NHPP patient cohort.
- To identify specific factors contributing to suicide risk for early recognition and intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study included patients receiving NHPP c-hGH from 1957 through 2020.
- Suicide deaths were identified using ICD codes, and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated.
- Data were compared against general population suicide rates, stratified by sex, age, and time period.
Main Results:
- Out of 6272 patients, 55 suicide deaths were recorded (SMR = 1.25).
- Elevated suicide risk was observed in males (SMR = 1.33), individuals aged 25-34 (SMR = 1.79), and during 1985-1998 (SMR = 1.70).
- Forty-seven suicides were identified by ICD code alone, compared to an expected count of 37.8.
Conclusions:
- The overall suicide rate among NHPP c-hGH recipients was not significantly higher than the general population.
- Specific subgroups, including males and younger adults, may face an elevated suicide risk.
- Further research is crucial to understand and mitigate suicide risk in c-hGH recipients.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
01:27Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...