Evaluation of a pen injector system for growth hormone treatment

Article Abstract:

Growth hormone (also called somatotropin) is a hormone that is made in the brain and required for the normal growth and development of the body. A deficiency of this hormone causes dwarfism. Over the last decade, advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to make this hormone in the laboratory. In 1985, large quantities of human growth hormone (hGH) became available for treating patients with growth hormone deficiency. Treatment with hGH requires the patients to give themselves daily injections at home. The hGH usually comes in a small glass vial and is removed from the container with a syringe that is used for injecting the hGH. A new method of treatment was recently developed, called the Kabipen, that does not require the use of syringes. The Kabipen is a device that looks similar to a ball point pen. The vials of hGH are placed inside of the pen and the pen is held against the skin. The medication is rapidly injected into the skin by pressing down on the top of the pen. A survey was conducted to determine if patients requiring treatment with hGH prefer to use syringes or the Kabipen for injecting their medication. Questionnaires were completed by 77 patients. Fifty of the patients had used both syringes and the Kabipen, 13 had used only the Kabipen and 14 had used only syringes. Ninety-two percent of those who had used both methods preferred the Kabipen over syringes. Children were more likely to self-administer the hGH using the Kabipen (64 percent) than using syringes (25 percent). The Kabipen allows the dose of hGH to be changed and it is accurate in delivering the desired amount of medication. The patients rated the Kabipen as easier to use and more comfortable than syringes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Dosage and administration, Injections, Hypodermic, Subcutaneous injections, Dwarfism, Drug delivery devices

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Treatment of short stature in renal disease with recombinant human growth hormone

Article Abstract:

Short stature is a serious problem for children with chronic kidney (renal) disease. Improved growth for most children is possible with intensive conservative management of the kidney disease, early transplantation, and use of lower doses of steroids. In some children, however, growth patterns remain unaltered by these treatments. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been used to increase the rate of growth of short healthy children and was associated with significant improvements in five children with chronic renal disease. The effect of pharmacologic doses of rhGH given for one year was assessed in short children with renal disease. Eighteen children were treated with daily doses of rhGH. Growth velocities were measured and recorded for all patients, and hormonal assessments were made. Treatment with growth hormone produced significantly improved growth in the children with chronic renal failure (group 1) and in prepubertal patients with transplants (group 2). Results in pubertal patients with transplants (group 3) were more difficult to interpret, due to the pubertal growth spurt. Even though the rate of growth was increased, bone age remained delayed. Long-term controlled studies are needed to determine the effect on ultimate patient height. Nevertheless, rhGH is useful in improving the rate of growth in children with chronic renal failure. Due to possible side effects of rhGH, this treatment is recommended for children who are below the third percentile for height and fail to show catch-up growth with conservative treatment, including correction of fluid, electrolyte, and acid imbalances, and attention to energy and protein intake. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Kidney diseases, Chronic renal failure in children

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Plasma integrated concentration of growth hormone after recombinant human growth hormone injection: implications for determining an optimal dose

Article Abstract:

Blood levels of growth hormone are significantly higher in children who are injected with recombinant (genetically engineered) growth hormone than those of normally growing children. Treatment with recombinant growth hormone may also cause an increase in insulin secretion. These changes may be related to the timing of injections. Twelve growth hormone-deficient children were injected with 0.6 milligrams of recombinant growth hormone per kilogram of body weight at the same time in the evening three times per week. Blood levels of growth hormone were significantly higher after injection of recombinant growth hormone than before. Children injected with recombinant growth hormone had significantly higher blood levels of growth hormone than those of normal children. Blood levels of insulin were also significantly higher after treatment with growth hormone than before treatment with growth hormone.

Pediatric diseases, Metabolic diseases, Metabolic disorders in children

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