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Su PH, Yang C, Chao MC, Chiang CL. Monitoring Adherence Rate to Growth Hormone Therapy and Growth Outcomes in Taiwanese Children Using Easypod Connect: Observational Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2021; 4:e14774. [PMID: 33448936 PMCID: PMC7846437 DOI: 10.2196/14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to growth hormone therapy is difficult to detect reliably. Devices such as easypod have been developed for electronic recording of injections. The easypod connect observational study (ECOS) was an open-label, observational, multinational, phase IV study conducted in 24 countries around the world. The final results from ECOS in the Taiwanese cohort are reported in this paper. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the adherence and long-term outcomes of growth hormone therapy in pediatric subjects using the easypod electromechanical device. METHODS Subjects (aged 2-18 years or >18 years without fusion of growth plates) who received Saizen (recombinant human growth hormone, somatropin) via the easypod device were enrolled in this study. The primary objective was to assess the level of adherence in subjects receiving Saizen via easypod. RESULTS In Taiwan, a total of 35 and 13 children fulfilled the criteria of full analysis set and complete analysis set, respectively. The mean (SD) age of the complete analysis set was 12.08 (2.72) years. All subjects were growth hormone-naïve, with 38% (5/13) females. The mean adherence rates of 13 subjects were 87.6% at 3 months and 84.3% at 6 months, that of 8 subjects was 81.0% at 9 months, and that of 4 subjects was 91.6% at 1 year. After 1 year of treatment, subjects had a median (Q1:Q3) change in height SD score of 0.30 (0.06:0.48), median height velocity of 6.50 (4.33:8.24) cm/year, and median change in height velocity SD score of 1.81 (-0.04:3.52). CONCLUSIONS With the easypod device, patients with inadequate adherence and poor response to treatment can be identified. Adherence to growth hormone therapy administered via easypod was generally high in the first year of treatment but the adherence gradually decreased over time. Overall, growth outcomes after 1 year indicated a positive growth response to growth hormone treatment. Future efforts should be focused on personalized management of adherence by using the easypod system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pen-Hua Su
- School of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Chen Yang
- Division of Genetics, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chyn Chao
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Blanco-López A, Antillón-Ferreira C, Saavedra-Castillo E, Barrientos-Pérez M, Rivero-Escalante H, Flores-Caloca O, Calzada-León R, Rosas-Guerra CC, Koledova E, Chiquete E, Ayala-Estrada A. Adherence to treatment in children with growth hormone deficiency, small for gestational age and Turner syndrome in Mexico: results of the Easypod™ connect observational study (ECOS). J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1447-1452. [PMID: 32239476 PMCID: PMC7481146 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing adherence to growth hormone (GH) is challenging. The Easypod™ connect device delivers pre-set doses of recombinant human GH (r-hGH) and stores a digital record of adherence that can be shared with healthcare provider. We assessed adherence to r-hGH delivered with Easypod™ according to the approved pediatric indications for r-hGH: growth hormone deficiency (GHD), born small for gestational age (SGA) who failed to show catch-up growth and Turner syndrome (TS). METHODS ECOS (NCT01555528) was a multicenter (24 countries), 5-year, longitudinal, observational study, which aimed to evaluate country-specific adherence to r-hGH therapy prescribed via the Easypod™ electronic injection device. The primary endpoint was yearly adherence. Secondary endpoints were height velocity, height velocity standard deviation scores (SDS), height, height SDS and IGF-1 concentrations. Clinical and auxological data were obtained from medical records and adherence from Easypod™ logs. RESULTS This study included 147 Easypod™-naïve Mexican children assessed during 3 years (mean age: 9.96 ± 3.41 years, 56.8% boys, mean height SDS at baseline: - 2.17 ± 0.97): 118 with GHD, 24 SGA and 5 with TS. A total of 105 (71.4%) patients were GH naïve. Overall median adherence was > 90% over the first year of treatment and > 80% at 3 years. Adherence was not different by r-hGH indication or between GH-naïve or experienced patients. At 1-year follow-up, mean change in height SDS was 0.57 ± 0.34, whereas mean height velocity SDS was 2.85 ± 2.51. In all, 84.7% patients had normal IGF-1 concentrations at 1-year follow-up. Adherence was associated with change in height SDS (r = 0.239, p = 0.005) and height velocity SDS (r = 0.194, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION Adherence rates with the Easypod™ device are high and maintained over time in GHD, SGA and TS Easypod™-naïve Mexican patients. High adherence is associated with better outcomes. Easypod™ assists physicians in monitoring adherence to r-hGH.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Blanco-López
- Hospital Ángeles Interlomas and Hospital Español, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | - R Calzada-León
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C C Rosas-Guerra
- Merck Biopharma Distribution S.A. de C.V, Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico
| | - E Koledova
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - E Chiquete
- Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Delegacion Tlalpan, C.P. 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, México.
| | - A Ayala-Estrada
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital ISSEMyM, Toluca, Estado de México, México.
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Graham S, Auyeung V, Weinman J. Exploring Potentially Modifiable Factors That Influence Treatment Non-Adherence Amongst Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Qualitative Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:1889-1899. [PMID: 33116433 PMCID: PMC7569171 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s268972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A recent systematic review found that up to 71% of children with growth hormone deficiency and their families are non-adherent to treatment as prescribed. A key way to better understanding the complex issue of pediatric non-adherence is to explore the perceptions and experiences of the parent/caregiver. Our study is the first to look specifically at the potentially modifiable factors that influence non-adherence to rhGH treatment amongst parents/caregivers of children with this endocrine disorder. METHODS Fourteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to explore parents/caregivers' perceptions and experiences of their child's condition and prescribed treatment, in addition to their perceived relationship with their healthcare professional. The findings were thematically analyzed and narratively synthesized, in line with the qualitative approach of Braun and Clarke (2006). RESULTS Potentially modifiable factors that influence non-adherence to growth hormone treatment were grouped under four themes: 1. Device Burdens, 2. Treatment Considerations, 3. Logistical Interferences and 4. Interpersonal Influences. CONCLUSION Our exploratory study presents the wide range of potentially modifiable factors that influence the way in which growth hormone treatment is used. These findings can, in turn, be used to inform and promote the development of targeted, adherence-focused interventions, to support growth hormone deficient children and their families and optimize the use of prescribed growth hormone treatment within endocrine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Graham
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- Correspondence: Selina Graham School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London, UK Email
| | - Vivian Auyeung
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - John Weinman
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
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Centonze C, Guzzetti C, Orlando G, Loche S. Adherence to growth hormone (GH) therapy in naïve to treatment GH-deficient children: data of the Italian Cohort from the Easypod Connect Observational Study (ECOS). J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:1241-1244. [PMID: 30968283 PMCID: PMC6751271 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the use of non-objective measurement, adherence to growth hormone (GH) therapy has been reported suboptimal in a large proportion of patients, and poor adherence has been shown to affect short-term growth response in patients receiving GH treatment. OBJECTIVE The Easypod™ electronic device allows objective measurement of adherence. In this study, we report 3-year prospective adherence data of the Italian cohort of naïve GH deficient (GHD) children extrapolated from the Easypod Connect Observational Study (ECOS) database. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-three GHD children naïve to GH treatment were included in the analysis. 22 Italian centers participated in the study. RESULTS Mean adherence rate was consistently above 85% across the 3-year observation period. Particularly, mean adherence was 88.5%, 86.6%, and 85.7% after 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Mean (± SD) height-SDS increase after the first year was 0.41 (± 0.38). CONCLUSIONS The majority of naïve GHD children starting GH treatment with Easypod maintained an adherence rate > 85% up to 3 years. Easypod is a useful tool to follow-up patients' adherence allowing timely intervention to improve optimal treatment for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Centonze
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - C Guzzetti
- SSD di Endocrinologia Pediatrica e, Centro Screening Neonatale, Ospedale Pediatrico Miccrocitemico "A. Cao", AO Brotzu, Via Jenner, 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Orlando
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - S Loche
- SSD di Endocrinologia Pediatrica e, Centro Screening Neonatale, Ospedale Pediatrico Miccrocitemico "A. Cao", AO Brotzu, Via Jenner, 09121, Cagliari, Italy.
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Koledova E, Stoyanov G, Ovbude L, Davies PSW. Adherence and long-term growth outcomes: results from the easypod ™ connect observational study (ECOS) in paediatric patients with growth disorders. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:914-923. [PMID: 29976785 PMCID: PMC6107763 DOI: 10.1530/ec-18-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The easypod connect observational study (ECOS) assessed treatment adherence among paediatric patients receiving growth hormone (GH) via the easypod electronic injection device. DESIGN ECOS was an open-label, observational, longitudinal study conducted in 24 countries between 2010 and 2016, enrolling children treated with GH. METHODS The primary endpoint was the rate of treatment adherence during 5 years of follow-up. Impact of adherence on growth outcomes was assessed using Spearman's product-moment correlations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Overall, 1190 patients had easypod data available for ≥3 months; most patients had GH deficiency (75%); 606 of these patients were GH naïve at baseline. Over the first year of monitoring, the median rate of adherence was 93.7% among patients overall and >93.0% in GH-naïve patients, irrespective of the treatment indication. Clinically meaningful improvements in growth rates were observed after 1 year of treatment across all GH indications. Adherence decreased with increasing treatment duration, but the overall median adherence rate remained high after 3 years of follow-up: 87.2% (n = 409), 75.5% after 4 years (n = 143) and 70.2% after 5 years (n = 43). Statistically significant correlations between adherence and 1-year change in height standard deviation score (P < 0.001 for patients overall) and height velocity (P < 0.001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS ECOS produced accurate, real-time adherence data in a large population of GH-treated children over 5 years of follow-up. Using the easypod connect system, physicians can potentially identify patients with inadequate adherence and poor response to treatment, enabling them to take appropriate action to help them maximise the benefits of GH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Koledova
- Biopharma Global Medical AffairsGeneral Medicine and Endocrinology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - George Stoyanov
- Biopharma Global Medical AffairsGeneral Medicine and Endocrinology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Leroy Ovbude
- Business & Decision Life SciencesBrussels, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Peter S W Davies
- Children’s Nutrition Research CentreFaculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Acerini CL, Segal D, Criseno S, Takasawa K, Nedjatian N, Röhrich S, Maghnie M. Shared Decision-Making in Growth Hormone Therapy-Implications for Patient Care. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:688. [PMID: 30524377 PMCID: PMC6262035 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that adherence to growth hormone therapy (GHT) is not optimal. There are several reasons why patients may not fully adhere to their treatment regimen and this may have implications on treatment success, patient outcomes and healthcare spending and resourcing. A change in healthcare practices, from a physician paternalistic to a more patient autonomous approach to healthcare, has encouraged a greater onus on a shared decision-making (SDM) process whereby patients are actively encouraged to participate in their own healthcare decisions. There is growing evidence to suggest that SDM may facilitate patient adherence to GHT. Improved adherence to therapy in this way may consequently positively impact treatment outcomes for patients. Whilst SDM is widely regarded as a healthcare imperative, there is little guidance on how it should be best implemented. Despite this, there are many opportunities for the implementation of SDM during the treatment journey of a patient with a GH-related disorder. Barriers to the successful practice of SDM within the clinic may include poor patient education surrounding their condition and treatment options, limited healthcare professional time, lack of support from clinics to use SDM, and healthcare resourcing restrictions. Here we discuss the opportunities for the implementation of SDM and the barriers that challenge its effective use within the clinic. We also review some of the potential solutions to overcome these challenges that may prove key to effective patient participation in treatment decisions. Encouraging a sense of empowerment for patients will ultimately enhance treatment adherence and improve clinical outcomes in GHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo L. Acerini
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Carlo L. Acerini
| | - David Segal
- Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sherwin Criseno
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kei Takasawa
- Department of Paediatrics and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Rapaport R, Saenger P, Schmidt H, Hasegawa Y, Colle M, Loche S, Marcantonio S, Bonfig W, Zabransky M, Lifshitz F. Validation and ease of use of a new pen device for self-administration of recombinant human growth hormone: results from a two-center usability study. MEDICAL DEVICES-EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2013; 6:141-6. [PMID: 24039458 PMCID: PMC3770891 DOI: 10.2147/mder.s50088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Close adherence to the recommended treatment regimen is important for the success of recombinant human growth hormone therapy, although nonadherence can be common. Ease of use and safety during use/storage are among several important factors in the design of a growth hormone injection device intended for long-term use. This study was performed to validate the usability and assess the ease of use of a new pen device (SurePal™) that has been developed to support daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope® (somatropin). The primary objectives of the study were to assess if study participants, representing intended users of the pen in clinical practice, were able to perform an injection procedure into an injection pad effectively and safely and disassemble the pen without receiving a needlestick injury. A total of 106 participants (61 adults and 45 children/adolescents) were enrolled at two study centers (one in the US, one in Germany). Results for both primary usability tasks met the predefined acceptance criteria, with >85% of participants successfully performing each task. All of the other tasks/handling steps assessed were also successfully performed by most participants, with high success rates reflected in the high proportion of participants who classified each task as “very easy” or “easy”. After a second use of the device, 87%–97% of participants rated it as “very easy” or “easy” to use. In summary, the new pen device is safe and easy to use for both adults and children, and will help to support effective, long-term daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Rapaport
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
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Kaplowitz PB, Shulman DI, Frane JW, Jacobs J, Lippe B. Characteristics of children with the best and poorest first- and second-year growth during rhGH therapy: data from 25 years of the Genentech national cooperative growth study (NCGS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2013; 2013:9. [PMID: 23631505 PMCID: PMC3660178 DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models assessing characteristics contributing to response to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) response rarely address growth extremes in both years 1 and 2 or examine how children track from year to year. Using National Cooperative Growth Study (NCGS) data, we determined characteristics contributing to responsiveness to rhGH and the pattern of change from years 1 to 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS Height velocity standard deviation score (HV SDS) for 2 years for prepubertal children with idiopathic GH deficiency (IGHD) (n = 1899) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) (n = 1186) treated with similar doses for two years were computed. Group 1 = HV SDS < -1; 2 = HV SDS -1 to +1; 3 = HV SDS > +1. RESULTS For IGHD, mean age was 7.5 years and similar in all groups. Year 1 HV SDS was associated with greater body mass index (BMI) SDS, lower pre-treatment HV, baseline height SDS, greater target height SDS minus height SDS, and lower maximum stimulated GH (P <0.0001). Year 2, 172/271 (73%) in group 1 moved to either group 2 (n = 156) or 3 (n = 16). Year 2 HV SDS was associated with greater year 1 HV SDS (r = 0.045, P <0.0001), greater BMI SDS, taller parents and lower peak GH.For ISS, year 1 HV SDS was associated with greater BMI SDS and lower pre-treatment HV (P ≤0.0001). 109/169 (64%) in group 1 moved to group 2 (n = 90) or group 3 (n = 19). Greater year 2 HV SDS was related to year 1 HV SDS (r = 0.27, P <0.0001). CONCLUSION For IGHD, multiple characteristics contributed to best first-year response but for ISS, best first-year HV SDS was associated only with BMI SDS and inversely with pre-treatment HV. For both GHD and ISS, year 1 HV SDS was not a strong enough predictor of year 2 HV SDS to use first-year HV alone to determine GH continuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Kaplowitz
- Endocrinology, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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Tauber M, Jaquet D, Jesuran-Perelroizen M, Petrus M, Bertrand AM, Coutant R. User assessment of Norditropin NordiFlex(®), a new prefilled growth hormone pen: a Phase IV multicenter prospective study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2013; 7:455-62. [PMID: 23737664 PMCID: PMC3668964 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s43460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUNDAIM: In growth disorders, ensuring long-term growth hormone therapy (GHT) remains a challenge that might compromise the clinical outcome. Consequently, strategies aiming at alleviating the burden of daily injection might improve the treatment benefit. The study reported here was performed to assess the ease of use of Norditropin NordiFlex(®) (Novo Nordisk, Princeton, NJ, USA) compared with that of the devices previously used in children treated with GHT with recombinant somatropin. METHODS This Phase IV prospective, multicenter, open-label study was conducted in France. All patients received Norditropin NordiFlex for 6 weeks. Oral questionnaires were administered by the physician to the patients and/or the parents at inclusion and at the final visit. RESULTS This study included 103 patients aged between 6 and 17 years. The patients assessed Norditropin NordiFlex as significantly easier to use than their previous device (median value = 7.5, P < 0.001). Almost three-quarters of patients (64.4%) preferred Norditropin NordiFlex to their previous device. Among physicians and nurses, 73% assessed Norditropin NordiFlex training as "very easy" and 26% as "easy." Norditropin NordiFlex improved patient autonomy, with 41% of patients able to self-inject the treatment. CONCLUSION This study has shown that Norditropin NordiFlex is reliable, safe, and easy to use and most study patients preferred it to their previous device. These characteristics may improve the adherence to GHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maithé Tauber
- Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse
- Correspondence: Maithé Tauber, Pédiatrie, Endocrinologie, Génétique et Gynécologie médicale, Pôle Enfants, Hôpital des Enfants, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse, France, Tel +33 5 34 55 85 55, Email
| | | | | | | | | | - Regis Coutant
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Angers, Angers, France
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van Dongen N, Kaptein AA. Parents' views on growth hormone treatment for their children: psychosocial issues. Patient Prefer Adherence 2012; 6:547-53. [PMID: 22927747 PMCID: PMC3422117 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s33157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the opinions of parents in The Netherlands concerning treatment of their children with growth hormone, and examined beliefs and perceptions about treatment and quality of health care communication and support. METHODS An Internet survey was completed by 69 parents who had children prescribed growth hormone and were part of the Patient Intelligence Panel. Acceptance of the diagnosis and treatment was investigated with reference to four topics, ie, search and quality of information, involvement in decision-making process, operational aspects, and emotional problems and support. RESULTS Among the parents surveyed, 48% reported a lack of freedom to choose the type of growth hormone device that best suited their needs, 92% believed that their children (and they themselves) would benefit if the children self-administered growth hormone, and 65% believed training to support self-administration would be helpful. According to 79%, the availability of support from another parent with experience of treating their own child with growth hormone, alongside their doctor, would be valuable. Thirty-seven percent of the parents indicated that their children felt anxious about administration of growth hormone, and 83% of parents would appreciate psychological support to overcome their anxiety. An increase in reluctance to receive treatment with growth hormone was observed by 40% of parents after the children reached puberty, and 57% of these parents would appreciate psychological support to overcome this reluctance. CONCLUSION Understanding how growth hormone treatments and their implications are perceived by parents is a first step towards addressing quality of growth hormone treatment, which may be instrumental in improving adherence. The data show a need for support and involvement of parents in the process of choosing a growth hormone device. This decision-making process may be instrumental in improving acceptance and diminishing emotional problems for children using growth hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine van Dongen
- Patient Intelligence Panel Health Ltd, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Nadine van Dongen, PIP Health Ltd, 77 Bastwick Street, London EC1V 3PZ, United Kingdom, Email
| | - Ad A Kaptein
- Section Medical Psychology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Hokken-Koelega A, Keller A, Rakov V, Kipper S, Dahlgren J. Patient Acceptance, Ease of Use, and Preference for Norditropin NordiFlex with NordiFlex PenMate: Results from an Open-Label, User Survey of Everyday Use. ISRN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2011; 2011:803948. [PMID: 22363887 PMCID: PMC3262649 DOI: 10.5402/2011/803948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this 12-week open-label, uncontrolled study, patients (n = 85; mean [SD] age 11.2 [3.95] years) were trained to use an injection device with an automatic needle insertion accessory (NordiFlex/NordiFlex PenMate: Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) for growth hormone (GH) injection. The opinions of patients and the physicians/nurses who trained patients on device were recorded by questionnaire. Most (88.4%) patients reported that the device was “very easy/easy" to use. The majority (82.4%) of patients were “very satisfied/satisfied" with the device and 64% wished to continue its use. Device training instructions were reported as “very easy/easy" by 96.1% of physicians/nurses, and 65.8% of participants could use the device after ≤10-minute training. In this study, NordiFlex PenMate was well accepted by patients and medical staff. Patients had a high opinion of the device and over half wished to continue its use. High patient acceptance may facilitate treatment adherence optimizing treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Hokken-Koelega
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Sophia Children's Hospital/Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cutfield WS, Derraik JGB, Gunn AJ, Reid K, Delany T, Robinson E, Hofman PL. Non-compliance with growth hormone treatment in children is common and impairs linear growth. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16223. [PMID: 21305004 PMCID: PMC3031542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GH therapy requires daily injections over many years and compliance can be difficult to sustain. As growth hormone (GH) is expensive, non-compliance is likely to lead to suboptimal growth, at considerable cost. Thus, we aimed to assess the compliance rate of children and adolescents with GH treatment in New Zealand. METHODS This was a national survey of GH compliance, in which all children receiving government-funded GH for a four-month interval were included. Compliance was defined as ≥ 85% adherence (no more than one missed dose a week on average) to prescribed treatment. Compliance was determined based on two parameters: either the number of GH vials requested (GHreq) by the family or the number of empty GH vials returned (GHret). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. FINDINGS 177 patients were receiving GH in the study period, aged 12.1 ± 0.6 years. The rate of returned vials, but not number of vials requested, was positively associated with HVSDS (p < 0.05), such that patients with good compliance had significantly greater linear growth over the study period (p<0.05). GHret was therefore used for subsequent analyses. 66% of patients were non-compliant, and this outcome was not affected by sex, age or clinical diagnosis. However, Maori ethnicity was associated with a lower rate of compliance. INTERPRETATION An objective assessment of compliance such as returned vials is much more reliable than compliance based on parental or patient based information. Non-compliance with GH treatment is common, and associated with reduced linear growth. Non-compliance should be considered in all patients with apparently suboptimal response to GH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne S Cutfield
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Wickramasuriya BPN, Casey A, Akhtar S, Zia R, Ehtisham S, Barrett TG, Shaw NJ, Kirk JMW. Factors Determining Patient Choice of Device for GH Therapy. Horm Res Paediatr 2006; 65:18-22. [PMID: 16357486 DOI: 10.1159/000090375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the factors determining patient choice of GH device, and whether offering free patient choice improves compliance with GH therapy. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study performed on patients offered free choice of GH device in a regional growth clinic. In a subgroup having home delivery, GH compliance was assessed using ampoule counts. RESULTS 125 patients (74 (59%) male), median (range) 9.30 (1.0-18.3) years were commenced on GH from January 2001 to March 2004, and offered free choice of device. 68 (54%) chose a needled device, and 57 (46%) needle-free. There was no statistical difference in age, sex or diagnostic category between the two groups. Light blue devices were more likely to be chosen by males (p=0.056). Questionnaires giving reasons for choosing a device were available in 40, and a further 50 gave reasons for both choosing a specific device and not choosing others. Other than choice of needled/needle-free device, the factor most likely to determine choice was 'ease of use'. Only 6 (4.8%) subsequently changed device, and compliance remained high but unchanged at approximately 90%. CONCLUSIONS There are no specific features which determine what GH device a patient will choose. For those units offering free patient choice, a wide range of different devices should be made available.
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Abstract
For almost two decades, recombinant growth hormone (GH) has been in abundant supply to treat GH-deficient subjects to final height, yet the results continue to be suboptimal. Although there are numerous potential causes for this underachievement, the issues of poor compliance, ineffective dosing and lack of efficacy monitoring have been frequently promulgated to explain the phenomenon. Compliance is tied to knowledge, which is best promoted at the time of diagnosis by hospital-based personnel. GH pens have improved acceptability, but data on improvement in compliance are lacking. No GH device or delivery system has yet been shown to increase final height. Daily (or six times per week) dosing is clearly more effective, but increasing GH dose, especially during puberty, has a tendency to advance bone age and pubertal progression, which mitigates many of the effects. Finally, titration of dose to the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I level may prove to be useful in promoting final height; however, the converse is not true, i.e. increments in IGF-I level have not been shown to correlate with increments in height velocity. Thus, these issues with respect to achievement of final height are far from solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Lustig
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0434, USA.
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Gobburu JV, Agersø H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharm Res 1999; 16:1412-6. [PMID: 10496658 DOI: 10.1023/a:1018955126402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ipamorelin, a growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide, in healthy volunteers. METHODS A trial was conducted with a dose escalation design comprising 5 different infusion rates (4.21, 14.02, 42.13, 84.27 and 140.45 nmol/kg over 15 minutes) with eight healthy male subjects at each dose level. Concentrations of ipamorelin and growth hormone were measured. RESULTS The PK parameters showed dose-proportionality, with a short terminal half-life of 2 hours, a clearance of 0.078 L/h/kg and a volume of distribution at steady-state of 0.22 L/kg. The time course of GH stimulation by ipamorelin showed a single episode of GH release with a peak at 0.67 hours and an exponential decline to negligible GH concentration at all doses. The ipamorelin-GH concentration relationship was characterized using an indirect response model and population fitting. The model employed a zero-order GH release rate over a finite duration of time to describe the episodic release of GH. Ipamorelin induces the release of GH at all dose levels with the concentration (SC50) required for half-maximal GH stimulation of 214 nmol/L and a maximal GH production rate of 694 mIU/L/h. The inter-individual variability of the PD parameters was larger than that of the PK parameters. CONCLUSIONS The proposed PK/PD model provides a useful characterization of ipamorelin disposition and GH responses across a range of doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Gobburu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, State University of New York at Buffalo, 14260, USA
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