Children and adolescent acceptability of a new device system to administer human growth hormone--a pilot study.

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 (R) FlexPro (R)/FlexPro (R) PenMate (R) with Norditropin NordiFlex (R)/NordiFlex PenMate (R) 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 (R) PenMate (R) over NordiFlex PenMate (R) with 96% and 84%, respectively, reporting that they found the FlexPro (R) PenMate (R) system user-friendly and that they were highly confident using it. Conclusion: The FlexPro system was well accepted by patients. This may facilitate greater adherence to treatment and improve patient outcomes.