Background: Quality of life (QoL) has not been specifically assessed in GH deficient (GHD) transition patients.

Methods: We assessed QoL at baseline, and after 1 and 2 yr of GH treatment in severely GHD patients, using an adult GHD-specific questionnaire, QLS^M-H. Subjects were randomized to GH, 25.0 µg/kg/day (n = 25) or 12.5 µg/kg/day (n = 28), or no treatment (n = 13). SDscores for QLS-H were calculated from normative data, specific to country of origin, gender and age range of the patients.

Results: Baseline QLS-H SDscores were -0.35 ± 1.17 in females and -0.70 ± 1.05 in males (P = 0.280). SDscores for individual dimensions of ability to become sexually aroused, ability to tolerate stress, body shape, concentration, initiative/drive, physical stamina and self-confidence were significantly lower than the normal average. Particularly affected were body shape (SD score -0.80 ± 0.99, Q1:Q3 -1.52:-0.29) and sexual arousal (SDscore -0.41 ± 0.88, Q1:Q3 -1.15:-0.13). Total QLS-H SDscore increased slightly but not significantly for combined GH-treatment groups compared with control at year one (0.047 ± 1.51 vs.-0.32 ± 1.66, P = 0.845), but not after year two (-0.00 ± 0.80 vs. 0.12 ± 0.89, P = 0.385); no dose effect of GH was observed. GH treatment significantly increased SDscore from baseline to year 2 for sexual arousal and body shape (0.23 ± 0.78, P = 0.038 and 0.46 ± 1.26, P = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusion: Although overall baseline QoL was not compromised in severely GHD patients during the transition period, dimensions related to age-specific psychological problems were significantly worse than healthy subjects and appeared to positively respond to GH treatment.