GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A new study warns doctors to monitor patients for possibly deadly sleeping problems before and during growth hormone treatments for obesity.
Researchers at the University of Florida found many obese patients also suffered from sleep apnea, a disorder that disrupts breathing while asleep.
In overly, sometimes morbidly obese patients, doctors will put them on a growth hormone to combat it.
Sufferers of Prader-Willi syndrome, a chromosomal defect that causes mental impairment, weak muscles and everlasting appetites are particularly at risk.
In children, especially Prader-Willi patients, the growth hormone can make sleep apnea begin or grow worse.
With weakened muscles, they aren't always able to overcome a breathing problem while asleep and can die.
A report on The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Web site calls for doctors to monitor patients on growth hormones who may be at more risk while sleeping.
