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Akazawa M, Sato T, Ebata N, LoPresti M, Nishi R. Factors Related to Treatment Non-Adherence Among Caregivers of Pediatric and Adolescent Growth Hormone Deficiency Patients in Japan. Patient Prefer Adherence 2024; 18:607-622. [PMID: 38476590 PMCID: PMC10929548 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s446649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background About one-third of caregivers of pediatric or adolescent growth hormone deficiency (pGHD) patients in Japan have reported poor treatment adherence. However, few studies have examined factors related to adherence for that group. Objective The aim of this study is to consider factors related to poor adherence to daily treatment among caregivers of pGHD patients in Japan. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers of pGHD patients in Japan. Caregivers were asked about demographic and treatment characteristics, health literacy, treatment satisfaction, opinions about treatment, and treatment adherence. Health literacy was assessed using the 14-item health literacy scale (HLS-14). Adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Statistical association with adherence was considered using Chi-square and Student's t-testing. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and K-means cluster analysis was conducted to consider the influence of treatment satisfaction and opinions concerning treatment on adherence. Results Responses were collected from 112 caregivers. The caregiver's age being 30-39 years old, the primary caregiver being male, the primary caregiver being employed, and low functional health literacy for the caregiver were associated with poor adherence. Patients being pre-elementary school age was also associated with poor adherence. Low satisfaction with drug treatment and/or their device and communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs), and lack of agreement with the importance of treatment management (eg, keeping injection records, getting informed about the disease/therapy, reporting non-adherence, and sticking to an administration schedule), were also associated with poor adherence. Conclusion Strategies to improve treatment adherence among caregivers of pGHD patients in Japan should consider the age, gender, and employment status of the caregiver - as well as their functional literacy. Improvement in satisfaction with the drug or device used, better communication with HCPs, and greater awareness of the importance of treatment management, may also lead to better adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Akazawa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Ebata
- Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael LoPresti
- Value & Access, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nishi
- Value & Access, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Loftus J, Quitmann J, Valluri SR. Health-related quality of life in pre-pubertal children with pediatric growth hormone deficiency: 12-month results from a phase 3 clinical trial of once-weekly somatrogon versus once-daily somatropin. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:175-184. [PMID: 38053515 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2290623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency (pGHD) with daily injection of recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin) aims to increase height velocity and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth (QoLISSY) questionnaire was administered in a phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated efficacy and safety of once-weekly somatrogon versus once-daily somatropin in children with pGHD (ClinicalTrials.gov no NCT02968004). METHODS Treatment-naïve prepubertal children with pGHD received once-weekly somatrogon or once-daily somatropin for 12 months. The QoLISSY core module (physical/social/emotional subscales) was administered at baseline and 12 months after treatment initiation. QoLISSY-Parent was completed by parents/caregivers of children <7 years old and some parents/caregivers of children ≥7 years old; children ≥7 years old self-completed QoLISSY-Child. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups (N = 117). Among children <7 years old, QoLISSY-Parent total and subscale scores showed similarly improved HRQoL at 12 months relative to baseline in both treatment groups. Self-reported QoLISSY-Child total and subscale scores in children ≥7 years old indicated HRQoL improvements at 12 months that were numerically better with somatrogon than somatropin (similar results with QoLISSY-Parent in this age group). At both time points, children reported better HRQoL than perceived by their parents/caregivers. CONCLUSION Treatment for 12 months with once-weekly somatrogon or once-daily somatropin resulted in comparable improvements in HRQoL among children with pGHD. Lower HRQoL perceived by parents/caregivers possibly reflect children's tendency to emphasize adaptation. These results suggest that evaluation of HRQoL could help support treatment decisions in children with pGHD treated with growth hormone.
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Antalfy A, Berman K, Everitt C, Alten R, Latymer M, Godfrey CM. The Adherence and Outcomes Benefits of Using a Connected, Reusable Auto-Injector for Self-Injecting Biologics: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4758-4776. [PMID: 37733212 PMCID: PMC10567963 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02671-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Many biologics are now self-administered by patients at home. A variety of self-injection devices are available, including vials and syringes, prefilled syringes, and spring-driven prefilled pens or auto-injectors. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and different devices suit different patients. For example, some patients have difficulty achieving consistent and successful self-injection due to poor manual dexterity, or experience anxiety at the prospect of self-injection or injection-site pain. These factors can reduce patients' medication adherence and overall experience. Furthermore, while self-injection brings patients many benefits, the proliferation of single-use injection devices has implications for environmental sustainability, including the reliance on single-use plastics, repeated freighting requirements, and need for incineration as hazardous waste. Recently developed, innovative electromechanical auto-injector devices offer technological enhancements over existing devices to overcome some of these issues. Features include customisable injection speeds or durations, consistent rate of injection, electronic injection logs and reminders, and step-by-step, real-time instructions. Indeed, a growing body of evidence points to higher adherence rates among patients using electromechanical devices compared with other devices. Further, with time, the reusability of electromechanical devices may prove to lighten the environmental impact compared with disposable devices, especially as research continues to optimise their sustainability, driven by increased consumer demands for environmental responsibility. This narrative review discusses the differences between prefilled syringes, spring-driven prefilled pens, and electromechanical devices. It also explores how these features may help reduce injection-associated pain and anxiety, improve patient experience, connectivity and adherence, and drive sustainability of biologic drugs in future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark Latymer
- Inflammation and Immunology Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9NJ, UK.
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Akazawa M, Shima D, Sato T, Shoji E, LoPresti M, Nishi R. Perception of Adherence to Daily Human Growth Hormone Treatments Among Pediatric and Adolescent Patients in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians and Caregivers. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:3081-3094. [PMID: 36387049 PMCID: PMC9661995 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s380871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor adherence to daily human growth hormone (hGH) treatment has been shown to be associated with poor clinical outcomes for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) patients. However, few studies have examined the perception of adherence to hGH treatment among both physicians and caregivers in Japan. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the perception of adherence for daily hGH treatment among physicians and caregivers of pediatric and adolescent patients treated with GH in Japan. Moreover, we explore reasons for skipping treatment and the potential impact of a once-weekly treatment on adherence. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan among physicians that prescribe daily hGH treatment and caregivers that have administered daily hGH treatment to children/adolescents for 3 months or longer. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to gauge perceived adherence for both physician and caregiver groups. Caregivers were also questioned regarding reasons for missing injections. Moreover, both groups were asked about the impact of a once-weekly treatment on adherence. RESULTS Responses were collected from 123 physicians and 112 caregivers. Physicians reported that 18.1% of patients have poor adherence based on the MMAS-8 instrument. In contrast, 32.1% of the caregivers reported poor adherence. "Simply forgetting", "Patient refused/resisted", and being "Busy with school activities, etc" were the most commonly selected reasons by caregivers for missing an injection. Physicians felt that a once-weekly injection could improve adherence for 64.5% of patients with poor adherence. Moreover, 56.9% of the caregivers that reported an experience of missed injections felt that a once-weekly injection would improve their adherence. CONCLUSION Approaches to improve adherence to hGH treatment in Japan are continuously needed. While further research is needed to understand factors most likely to improve adherence, availability of a once-weekly treatment is expected to help improve adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Akazawa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shima
- Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence: Takahiro Sato, Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, 3-22-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8589, Japan, Tel +81 90-2935-0848, Email
| | - Emi Shoji
- Medical Affairs, Rare Disease, Pfizer Japan Inc, Tokyo, Japan
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Urakami T. Effectiveness of a smartphone application on medication adherence in children with short stature receiving GH therapy: A multicenter prospective cohort study (GTL-App). Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2021; 30:85-92. [PMID: 33867668 PMCID: PMC8022037 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.30.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This multicenter prospective cohort study followed up Japanese children who had just
started GH therapy using a drug delivery device (GROWJECTOR® L) linked to a newly
developed smartphone application and analyzed precise medication adherence data stored in
GROWJECTOR® L to evaluate the usefulness of the application in improving GH therapy
adherence over a 24-wk observation period. Moreover, a questionnaire survey on GH therapy
and the smartphone application was conducted, and factors affecting adherence to GH
therapy were assessed. This study enrolled 60 children with short stature who had GH
deficiency or Turner syndrome or were small for gestational age from 28 Japanese medical
institutions and analyzed 57 of them. The median and mean adherence rates after 24 wk of
observation were 96% and 93%, respectively. Although adherence rates were significantly
lower from wk 16 to wk 20 than from wk 1 to wk 4, cumulative adherence rates remained high
throughout the observation period. The questionnaire analysis revealed that most patients
actively used the application. Overall, our results suggest that active discussion
regarding the development of healthcare systems that contribute toward improving the
patient quality of life is warranted.
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Hsieh MHC, Chiou SS, Liao TC, Kao Yang YH, Lai ECC. Trends in coagulation factor replacement therapy and medical costs in patients with haemophilia in Taiwan: A population-based, 15-year analysis. Haemophilia 2021; 27:e187-e193. [PMID: 33550710 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Taiwan's National Health Insurance Program approved reimbursement of prophylactic coagulation factor replacement therapy (CFRT) for patients with haemophilia (PWH) in 2014. AIM To examine 15-year trends and the impact of reimbursement for prophylactic CFRT on its utilization and related medical costs for PWH. METHODS We analysed Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database from 2003 to 2017. We included patients with haemophilia A (PWHA) or B (PWHB) receiving coagulating factor. Female patients were excluded because of small sample size. We analysed annual consumption of CFRT units and medical costs. High proportion of days covered (PDC) with CFRT served as an indicator for prophylactic treatment since it reflects routine use of CFRT. We applied interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to evaluate the impact of reimbursement for prophylactic CFRT on usage patterns and medical costs. RESULTS We included 896 male PWHA and 181 male PWHB, with 38.1% and 37.0% aged under 18 years, respectively. By ITSA, we found the trends in coagulation factor consumption and PDC significantly increased after reimbursement for prophylactic CFRT in both PWHA and PWHB (p values for trend change <0.05). The overall medical costs per patient increased with increasing consumption of coagulation factor; however, ITSA revealed non-CFRT cost decreased after reimbursement of prophylactic CFRT for both PWHA and PWHB (p values <.05). CONCLUSION Reimbursement for prophylactic CFRT facilitated growth in rates of prophylactic CFRT and increased related costs, but curbed rising non-CFRT costs. These findings provide strong grounds for future cost-effectiveness studies to leverage prophylactic CFRT for its therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Hsing-Chun Hsieh
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chi Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Huei Kao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Edward Chia-Cheng Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Dumitrescu C, Procopiuc C, Dumitriu N, Micle I, Anton M, Moisuc A. COMPLIA: A 12-MONTH PROSPECTIVE, MULTICENTRE, NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDY TO EVALUATE TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND TREATMENT SATISFACTION IN A GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENT PAEDIATRIC POPULATION TREATED WITH NUTROPINAQ ® A SOMATROPIN ANALOGUE. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2020; 16:192-198. [PMID: 33029236 PMCID: PMC7535879 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2020.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adolescents is managed with growth hormone (GH) therapy and aims to achieve optimal height development. However, treatment adherence can be poor, reducing the likelihood of a successful outcome. Adherence varies between geographic regions. This observational study assessed satisfaction and adherence to NutropinAq (somatropin, recombinant human GH) treatment in Romanian children with GHD. METHODS Patients ≥3 years of age with GHD for which GH replacement therapy with NutropinAq had been initiated were recruited from 13 centres in Romania (protocol number: A-38-58035-016). The primary variable was patient/caregiver-reported treatment adherence (assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months on a 5-item Likert scale), secondary variables included treatment satisfaction assessed by the treating physician and patient/caregiver on a 5-point scale. RESULTS Most patients did not miss any treatment injections in any 3-month period between assessments (≥79.8% of patients were 100% compliant). The incidence of missed injections was higher among patients <7 years of age than older children, but no differences between genders was observed. At study end, 94.3% of patients/caregivers and 94.3% of physicians reported complete satisfaction with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Overall treatment adherence to NutropinAq was high in the Romanian GHD paediatric population, and a high level of treatment satisfaction was reported by patients/caregivers. This suggests reliable treatment outcomes can be anticipated in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.P. Dumitrescu
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology - Pediatric Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C. Procopiuc
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology - Pediatric Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - N. Dumitriu
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Children’s Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I. Micle
- “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Hospital for Children - Endocrinology, Timisoara, Romania
| | - M. Anton
- County Emergency Hospital - Pediatric Endocrinology, Bacau, Romania
| | - A. Moisuc
- Ipsen Pharma Romania SRL - Medical, Bucharest, Romania
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