Growth Hormone Ineffective, Dangerous As Anti-aging Therapy: New Study
Human growth hormone is ineffective at slowing the aging process and may be dangerous, according to a report published earlier this year in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The hormone has been advertised as a revolutionary anti-aging therapy. Initial studies regarding its effectiveness as such seemed to show that it was effective at improving bone density, cholesterol levels and body composition in older adults. This latest research disproves those claims, however. Authors of the study are quick to remind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never approved growth hormone for this purpose, and prescribing it as an anti-aging remedy is illegal.
Researchers involved in the study compared the health risks and clinical outcomes of 220 patients in 31 different clinical trials. The average patient age was 69 years, and the average treatment duration was 27 weeks. Overall, growth hormone therapy was shown to have no significant effect on bone density, serum lipid levels or body mass index. It did contribute to increased incidences of soft tissue edema, arthralgia, gynecomastia, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is likely that the therapy also contributed to an increased risk of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, as well.
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- Antipsychotic drugs unsafe for seniors with dementia
- Elder Justice Act moves forward
- 5% of medication errors reported to nursing home administration
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