UNLABELLED: Short stature may be associated with impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study compared the HRQoL of children/adolescents diagnosed with short stature to population norms and examined the effects of height deviation and treatment status on HRQoL. METHOD: We cross-sectionally assessed 110 children/adolescents aged 8-18, with current short stature (height deviation ≤-2 standard-deviation (SD)) or normal height achieved since diagnosis, and 98 parents, using the generic KIDSCREEN and the chronic-generic DISABKIDS instruments. RESULTS: Generic HRQoL of patients was similar to population norms. Patients with achieved normal height reported better chronic-generic HRQoL when untreated, while patients with current short stature reported better HRQoL upon receiving treatment. Parents reported better HRQoL for treated patients, especially for girls. CONCLUSION: Although their HRQoL is not significantly compromised, patients diagnosed with short stature may profit from growth-hormone treatment. Specific instruments are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of treatment.
UNLABELLED: Short stature may be associated with impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study compared the HRQoL of children/adolescents diagnosed with short stature to population norms and examined the effects of height deviation and treatment status on HRQoL. METHOD: We cross-sectionally assessed 110 children/adolescents aged 8-18, with current short stature (height deviation ≤-2 standard-deviation (SD)) or normal height achieved since diagnosis, and 98 parents, using the generic KIDSCREEN and the chronic-generic DISABKIDS instruments. RESULTS: Generic HRQoL of patients was similar to population norms. Patients with achieved normal height reported better chronic-generic HRQoL when untreated, while patients with current short stature reported better HRQoL upon receiving treatment. Parents reported better HRQoL for treated patients, especially for girls. CONCLUSION: Although their HRQoL is not significantly compromised, patients diagnosed with short stature may profit from growth-hormone treatment. Specific instruments are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Authors: Monika Bullinger; Rachel Sommer; Andreas Pleil; Nelly Mauras; Judith Ross; Ron Newfield; Lawrence Silverman; Anja Rohenkohl; Janet Fox; Julia Quitmann Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2015-04-02 Impact factor: 3.186