title: Patient preference for a new growth hormone injection device: results of an open-label study in Japanese pediatric patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children is treated with daily subcutaneous injections of GH. Poor adherence, resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes, is common due to long-term treatment. Injection devices that are considered easy to use by patients or guardians could improve adherence.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the usability of the Norditropin FlexPro pen injector and NovoTwist needles (both Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) in Japanese children and adolescents with GHD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This open-label, uncontrolled usability test included patients aged 6 to < or = 18 years with GHD currently receiving daily injections of GH with pen injectors. Patients performed repeated injections of test medium into a foam cushion. Patients or guardians completed a questionnaire on pen handling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 73/74 patients (99%) rated Norditropin FlexPro easy to handle, reporting no technical complaints. In total, 60 (81%) preferred Norditropin FlexPro over their current device, with 12% preferring their current device and 7% not sure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Norditropin FlexPro was perceived as easy to use and reliable, and was well accepted and preferred over the current device for the administration of GH in children and adolescents. Patients were more confident that Norditropin FlexPro delivered the right dose compared with their current device.
authors.affiliation: University of Aarhus and Growth Hormone Global Marketing, Novo Nordisk A/S, Virum, Denmark. amk@novonordisk.com
authors.forename: Anne-Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kappelgaard
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mikkelsen
authors.forename: Thomas Kamp
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.forename: Gitte Schøning
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Fuchs
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D057240:Patient Preference; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014041:Tokyo
chemical_list: D019382:Human Growth Hormone