ECE2023 Poster Presentations Pituitary and Neuroendocrinology (123 abstracts)
1Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Department of Medical Specialties, Modena, Italy; 2Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Modena, Italy; 3Unit of Endocrinology, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; 4DataRiver S.r.l., Modena, Italy
Background: AGHD significantly impacts on metabolism, body composition and quality of life (QoL), including sexuality.
AIM: To investigate the impact of a smartphone App on AGHD monitoring, especially QoL and comorbidities as well as on both body composition and biochemical parameters.
Methodology: 83 AGHD patients were enrolled in this prospective, open-label, monocentric study (MAGHD Study) of 24-month duration. Patients were evaluated (clinical, biochemical and multidimensional investigations) every 6 months, for a total of 5 visits (from V0, V1, V2, V3 e V4). Multidimensional evaluation included the following questionnaires: QoL-AGHDA, QLS-H, WEMWBS, IPAQ, PSQI e IIEF-15 e FSFI for QoL and sexual function. Body composition was evaluated at V0, V2 and V4 by DEXA. After the first year (Phase 1), patients were grouped according to the acceptance to use (Group 1) or not (Group 2) the smartphone App (MAGHD App) for answering questionnaires. Thus, during the second year (Phase 2), 58 patients provided questionnaires answers through MAGHD App (Group 1) and the remaining 25 patients continued with standard compilation of questionnaires only at visits every 6 months without using MAGHD App (Group 2).
Results: The use of the MAGHD App resulted in a higher number of completely filled questionnaires in Group 1 (15.68±8.10) compared to Group 2 (10.33±2.09) (P<0.001). QoL-AGHDA (P=0.001), QLS-H (P=0.030), IPAQ (P<0.001), IIEF-15 (P=0.005) and FSFI (P=0.002) scores were significantly better in Group 1 than Group 2. Compliance to r-hGH therapy increased in Group 1 comparing Phase 1 to Phase 2, but without statistical significance (P>0.05). Comorbidities resulted increased in number in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (P<0,05). No differences were found between Group 1 and 2 in biochemical and hormonal outcomes.
Conclusions: The use of an ad hoc designed smartphone App is well-accepted by patients and associated with a good adherence in its use, suggesting positive effects on QoL in AGHD patients. The integration of a smartphone App in the clinical practice is feasible and may help empowering patients with chronic diseases such as AGHD on daily self-monitoring of their disease trend, beyond helping physicians in tailoring the clinical management. This study belongs to the Pfizer Inc. Independent Grant for Learning and Change, Dissemination & Implementation (Grant ID 34515061).