Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Variability in adherence to rhGH treatment: Socioeconomic causes and effect on children's growth
Silvina De Pedro1, Marta Murillo2, Isabel Salinas1
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitari "Germans Trias i Pujol" Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Poor adherence to Growth Hormone (GH) therapy affects one-third of children, leading to suboptimal growth. Monitoring Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) levels and considering socio-economic factors can improve therapeutic compliance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Hormone Therapy
- Patient Adherence Research
Background:
- Poor adherence to Growth Hormone (GH) therapy is linked to reduced final height in children with growth disorders.
- Identifying non-adherent patients is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.
- Evaluating serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and socio-economic factors can inform adherence strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify children with poor adherence to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy.
- To determine the impact of adherence on treatment response.
- To assess the role of serum IGF-I and socio-economic factors in therapeutic adherence.
Main Methods:
- 158 children on rhGH therapy were analyzed for adherence, growth rate, and IGF-I levels.
- Adherence was defined as <92% medication intake; poor adherence noted in 33.5% of patients.
- A subgroup completed questionnaires on social/environmental factors, with mother's education linked to adherence.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between decreased adherence and longer treatment duration (p=0.001).
- Adherence strongly correlated with height velocity (p=0.002) and IGF-I levels (p<0.0001).
- Maternal educational level was significantly associated with adherence rates (p=0.007).
Conclusions:
- Suboptimal growth in children with growth disorders is linked to poor adherence to GH therapy in approximately one-third of cases.
- Serum IGF-I levels serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying patients with suboptimal GH medication adherence.
- Healthcare providers should consider patient-specific and environmental factors to enhance therapeutic compliance.
Background:
In children with growth disorders, mean final height is associated to poor adherence to Growth Hormone therapy. The primary goal of this study is to identify patients who do not adhere to GH therapy and determine the influence of adherence in response to the treatment. The role of serum IGF-I and influence of socio-economic factors on the therapeutic adherence will also be evaluated.
Methods:
158 children under treatment with rhGH were included in the study. Age, gender, etiology, Tanner stage, duration of treatment, growth rate, IGF-I serum values, daily dose, and annual rhGH dose data were collected. Adherence to therapy was defined as moderate-to-poor when the patient had taken less than 92% of the prescribed medication. A subgroup of 106 patients completed a questionnaire to assess social and environmental effects.
Results:
Moderate-to-poor adherence to rhGH treatment was determined in 33.5% of study patients. A decrease in adherence was associated to treatment duration (p=0.001). A significant correlation was determined between adherence and height velocity (p=0.002) and IGF-I (p<0.0001) levels. Adherence rates were associated to the mother's educational level (p=0.007).
Conclusion:
Poor adherence to GH therapy was observed in one-third of study patients, resulting in suboptimal growth. IGF-I levels can be helpful to identify patients with poor adherence to GH medication. Physicians should pay special attention to certain characteristics of the patient and their environment, and encourage desirable therapeutic compliance.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Dosage Regimen: Individualization
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:22Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
01:29Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
01:01Dosage Regimen: Fixed Dose
Fixed-dose regimens can be used for various routes of administration, including intravenous (IV) injections and oral medications. For IV administration, a predetermined amount of the drug is...