title: Children and adolescent acceptability of a new device system to administer human growth hormone--a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Growth hormone (GH) is used to treat growth failure in children and metabolic impairments in adults with GH deficiency (GHD). Treatment requires daily subcutaneous injections that may affect treatment outcomes, and subsequently efficacy outcomes. To enhance potential adherence, improved GH delivery device systems are being developed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare patient acceptability and usability of Norditropin FlexPro/FlexPro PenMate with Norditropin NordiFlex/NordiFlex PenMate for GH administration in children/adolescents with GHD.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multinational, open-label, uncontrolled study. Patients (n = 50; 4-18 years) currently on GH therapy injected test medium into a foam pad. Ease-of-use and patient device preference were recorded by questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority (80%) of patients preferred FlexPro PenMate over NordiFlex PenMate with 96% and 84%, respectively, reporting that they found the FlexPro PenMate system user-friendly and that they were highly confident using it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FlexPro system was well accepted by patients. This may facilitate greater adherence to treatment and improve patient outcomes.
authors: Growth Hormone Global Marketing, Novo Nordisk A/S, Vandtårnsvej 108-110, 2860 Søborg, Denmark. amk@novonordisk.com
authors: Anne-Marie
authors: AM
authors: Kappelgaard
authors: Søren
authors: S
authors: Mikkelsen
authors: Claus
authors: C
authors: Bagger
authors: Gitte Schøning
authors: GS
authors: Fuchs
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007390:International Agencies; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone