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Updated: May 1, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Adherence to growth hormone therapy: a practical approach
M Bozzola1, S Pagani, L Iughetti
1Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Early detection of poor adherence to growth hormone (GH) therapy is vital for growth hormone-deficient (GHD) patients. Regular patient interviews are essential for improving adherence and ensuring effective communication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Hormone Therapy
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) requires timely intervention to ensure normal final height.
- Monitoring adherence to GH therapy is critical for treatment success in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the challenges in detecting and managing poor adherence to GH therapy in GHD patients.
- To identify strategies for improving patient and parent communication regarding GH treatment.
Main Methods:
- Study included 106 children with GHD (short stature, delayed bone age).
- GH therapy administered via daily subcutaneous injections.
- Adherence assessed through clinical monitoring and patient reporting.
Main Results:
- Poor adherence was suspected in several patients, with 4 cases clearly demonstrating reduced height velocity despite treatment.
- Confirmed non-adherence correlated with poor therapeutic response.
- Clinical and anthropometric data indicated the impact of non-adherence.
Conclusions:
- Regular, non-aggressive interviews with patients and parents are crucial for effective communication.
- Proactive communication strategies can help improve adherence to GH therapy in GHD patients.
Background:
Early detection of suspected poor adherence to growth hormone (GH) therapy is crucial to achieve normal final height in GH-deficient (GHD) patients.
Patients:
106 children (73 M, 33 F) with a median age of 10.47±3.48 years (mean±standard deviation score (SDS)) exhibited short stature (-1.76±0.64 SDS) and a delayed bone age (8.68±3.42 years). Severe GHD was found in 28, while partial GHD was seen in 78 cases, with low IGF-I values. Recombinant human GH was administered by daily subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 21 µg/kg in prepubertal and 25 µg/kg in pubertal patients.
Results:
Poor adherence was suspected in a number of patients, but clearly demonstrated in only 4 cases with persistent reduced height velocity in spite of a corrected therapeutic regimen. These patients admitted incomplete adherence to GH injections and clinical and anthropometric measurements revealed their poor response to therapy.
Conclusions:
To efficaciously improve adherence in GHD patients, it is mandatory to regularly interview patients; a non-aggressive approach might be utilized to ensure effective communication with patients and their parents.
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