Intra-cerebral haemorrhage but not neurodegenerative disease appears over-represented in deaths of Australian cadaveric pituitary hormone recipients

Abstract

Background and purpose: Recent scientific reports and epidemiological studies have engendered mounting concerns regarding the potential human-to-human transmissibility of non-prion neurodegenerative and related diseases. This study investigated whether recipients of cadaveric pituitary hormone treatments are at increased risk of death from non-prion neurodegenerative and related diseases. Methods: A retrospective national cohort study based on death certificates of recipients of the cadaveric pituitary hormone treatments (n = 184) as part of the Australian Human Pituitary Hormone Program (AHPHP; n = 2940) 1967–1985. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) from non-prion neurodegenerative and oth..