This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Is there a link between human growth hormone and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
Examining the link between human growth hormone and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
Challenge
Cadaveric-derived human growth hormone (HGH) was effective in treating growth failure. Between 1963 and 1985, through the federal government’s National Hormone and Pituitary Program (NHPP), HGH was distributed to 250+ physicians.
In 1985, 3 people who received HGH therapy through the NHPP died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare neurogenerative disease. These cases prompted the federal government to terminate HGH distribution.
Since then, for the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, Westat has been conducting a surveillance study to identify the scope of the CJD problem in recipients of NHPP-provided hormone. Special attention was paid to whether cases started HGH before or after 1977, when a new laboratory purification step was added.
Solution
The HGH recipients and their families were located and surveyed. Death certificates, medical records, and pathology specimens were reviewed for evidence of CJD.
Results
Through the efforts of this study and reports from other sources, 32 confirmed cases of CJD have been identified among NHPP recipients. No cases began treatment after 1977.
Westat continues to analyze and report findings related to CJD and other illnesses.
Focus Areas
Clinical Infrastructure and Support Clinical Research Clinical Trials Real-World Data and EvidenceCapabilities
Analysis and Modeling Data Collection Statistical MethodsSenior Expert Contact
Margaret Camarca
Senior Research Associate
-
Perspective
Collaborating to Enhance Student Success NationwideJanuary 2025
Sharing best practices, creating connections, and collaboratively tackling challenges to improve student success was the purpose of the recent Promise Neighborhoods and Full-Service Community Schools…
-
Expert Interview
Leveraging Paradata and AI to Improve Survey Participation RatesJanuary 2025
The steady decline in survey response rates has been a major concern for many researchers for some time. Low response rates not only erode the…
-
Perspective
Westat Work Shines at 2024 APHSA EMWB ConferenceSeptember 2024
Westat human services experts recently presented at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)’s Economic Mobility and Well-Being (EMWB) Conference in Portland, Oregon. At the…