The NordiNet® International Outcome Study and NovoNet® ANSWER Program®: Rationale, design, and methodology of two international pharmacoepidemiological registry-based studies monitoring long-term clinical and safety outcomes of growth hormone therapy (Norditropin®)

Charlotte Höybye, Lars Sävendahl, Henrik Thybo Christesen, Peter Lee, Birgitte Tønnes Pedersen, Michael Schlumpf, John Germak, Judith Ross

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Randomized controlled trials have shown that growth hormone (GH) therapy has effects on growth, metabolism, and body composition. GH therapy is prescribed for children with growth failure and adults with GH deficiency. Carefully conducted observational study of GH treatment affords the opportunity to assess long-term treatment outcomes and the clinical factors and variables affecting those outcomes, in patients receiving GH therapy in routine clinical practice. Design: The NordiNet® International Outcome Study (IOS) and the American Norditropin® Studies: Web Enabled Research (ANSWER Program®) are two complementary, non-interventional, observational studies that adhere to current guidelines for pharmacoepi-demiological data. Patients: The studies include pediatric and adult patients receiving Norditropin®, as prescribed by their physicians. Measurements: The studies gather long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of real-life treatment with the recombinant human GH, Norditropin®. We describe the origins, aims, objectives, and design methodology of the studies, as well as their governance and validity, strengths, and limitations. Conclusion: The NordiNet® IOS and ANSWER Program® studies will provide valid insights into the effectiveness and safety of GH treatment across a diverse and large patient population treated in accordance with real-world clinical practice and following the Good Pharmacoepide-miological Practice and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-127
Number of pages9
JournalClinical Epidemiology
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 24 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Epidemiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The NordiNet® International Outcome Study and NovoNet® ANSWER Program®: Rationale, design, and methodology of two international pharmacoepidemiological registry-based studies monitoring long-term clinical and safety outcomes of growth hormone therapy (Norditropin®)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this