title: [Growth hormone (GH) deficiency treatment in children: comparison between uses of pen versus bottles/syringes on GH administration].
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare two preparations of recombinant human GH (rGH) in the treatment of GH deficient patients. Ten prepubertal GH-deficient children were followed during 6 months. They received injections with syringe for 3 months, followed by pen administration for the subsequent 3 months. Acceptability was evaluated through a questionnaire. Waste of medication was calculated by the difference between the number of used bottles or refills and the calculated amount for the period. Treatment response was evaluated by SDS gain of height measured each 3 months. After 6 months, 90% of patients/family members declared they preferred the pen regarding technical facility and local pain, and all patients considered the pen easier to transport and store. The waste of medication was lower with pen administration, as was the final cost. We concluded that pen-administered rGH treatment is more convenient, better accepted by the patients, and leads to less waste of medication when compared to the syringe administration.
authors.affiliation: Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular-LIM/42, Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP, São Paulo, SP. fmarchisotti@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Frederico G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Marchisotti
authors.forename: Luciani R S
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: Ivo J P
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Arnhold
authors.forename: Berenice B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Mendonça
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004356:Drug Storage / Q000592:standards; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012646:Self Administration / Q000295:instrumentation; D013594:Syringes / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D019382:Human Growth Hormone
vernacular_title: Tratamento da deficiência do hormônio de crescimento (GH) em crianças: comparação entre o uso de canetas versus frascos/seringas para a aplicação do GH.