The results of the survey among the parents of patients with achondroplasia on the role of vosoritide therapy

Introduction Achondroplasia (ACP) is a common skeletal dysplasia. Vozoritide is the first drug that has an effect on the pathogenesis of impaired enchondral growth in achondroplasia. Clinical trials of the second and third phases have shown its effectiveness according to the latest literature data presented. After providing scientifically grounded information, a questionnaire was completed by parents of children with ACP to have their opinion before the introduction of the drug into medical practice. Materials and methods The survey was conducted on June 21-24, 2021 at the Ilizarov Center supported by the patient’s organization Small People Support Center for Patients with Achondroplasia and Other Bone Dysplasias and Their Families. The questionnaire included 5 questions, compiled by the first author of this study. 65 completed questionnaires were received for the analysis. Results and discussion The overwhelming majority of parents have confidence in the use of vozoritide as a means of achieving targeted growth which may allow to avoid surgical treatment. However, the parallel use of this drug and surgical treatment for incomplete growth of a child is not excluded if the growth graphs show that the required parameters have not been achieved by the time the growth zones are closed. Despite the fact that at present only the influence of vozoritide on the growth of a child with ACP has been reliably proven, parents feel confident with the information about the possible effect of the drug on other problems associated with impaired enchondral growth, and are ready to start therapy at an earlier age and for a longer period. Parents do not oppose the pharmacological treatment to surgical treatment. Vozoritide is seen as the main component of treatment, and surgery as a complementary one that follows (if necessary). This reasonable combination increases the parents' confidence in the predicted favorable treatment outcome.