Three-years of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in GH-deficient adults: effects on quality of life, patient-reported outcomes and healthcare consumption.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the effects of 3 years of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in GH deficient (GHD) patients in Sweden.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

An open label study in 237 adults with GHD (116 men and 121 women), consecutively enrolled in KIMS (Pfizer's international metabolic database) in Sweden.

MEASUREMENTS

QoL and healthcare consumption were determined using questionnaires [QoL-assessment of GHD in Adults (QoL-AGHDA), the psychological general well-being (PGWB) index and the patient life situation form (PLSF)].

RESULTS

The mean starting dose of GH was 0.13 mg/day and the mean maintenance dose was 0.37 mg/day. The mean insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) SD score increased from -1.92 at baseline to 0.38 after 3 years. There was a sustained increase in QoL as measured by the QoL-AGHDA and PGWB questionnaires. The number of doctor visits and the number of days in hospital were reduced after 3 years of GH replacement. The number of days of sickleave decreased during the first 2 years of treatment, but returned towards baseline values after 3 years. Leisure-time physical activity and satisfaction with physical activity increased.

CONCLUSION

Three years of GH replacement therapy induced a sustained improvement in QoL. Healthcare consumption was reduced, although the reduction in the number of days of sickleave was not statistically significant after 3 years of treatment.