QUALITY-OF-LIFE OF YOUNG-ADULTS WITH IDIOPATHIC SHORT STATURE - EFFECT OF GROWTH-HORMONE TREATMENT

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether treatment with recombinan t human growth hormone (rhGH) affects the quality of life of young adu lts who were diagnosed as idiopathic short stature (ISS) during childh ood, and whether their quality of life and aspects of the personality are different from normal. Experiences and expectations concerning rhG H treatment of the subjects and their parents were also investigated. Eighty-nine subjects were included into the study: 24 subjects (16M, 8 F) were treated with rhGH from childhood, whereas 65 subjects (40M, 25 F) were never treated. At the time of the interview all subjects had a ttained final height [mean (SD) -2.3 (0.9) SDS for Dutch references], and the age of the treated subjects was 20.5 (1.0) y, and 25.7 (3.5)y of the control subjects (p < 0.001). The level of education was simila r, but the treated subjects had less often a partner compared to the c ontrol subjects (adjusted for age and gender, p < 0.001). The Nottingh am Health Profile and Short Form 36 Health Survey showed no difference in general health state between treated and control subjects, and the healthy Dutch age-specific references (norm group). Although 74% of t he subjects reported one or more negative events related to their heig ht, and 61% would like to be taller, only 22% and 11% were willing to trade-off at Time Trade-Off and Standard Gamble, respectively. The per sonality of the subjects, which was measured by the Minnesota Multipha sic Personality Inventory, was not different from the norm group. The satisfaction with the rhGH treatment was high, as it had caused 12 (8) cm and 13 (7) cm gain in final height according to the subjects and p arents, respectively. Based on initial predicted adult height (Bayley & Pinneau), this gain was only 3.3 (5.6) cm. We concluded that althoug h the treated subjects had a partner less often when compared to the c ontrol subjects, the quality of life of subjects with ISS at adult age is normal and appears not to be affected by rhGH therapy, The treated subjects were very satisfied with the treatment, probably by overesti mation of the final height gain.