Growth hormone treatment and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: A national, prospective, one-year controlled study.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may improve as an additional benefit of the growth hormone treatment (GHT) in children with short stature, but this effect has not been conclusively proven.

Objectives: To explore the direct effect of GHT on HRQOL in children starting GHT due to isolated or multiple GH deficiency (IGHD), acquired GH deficiency (AGHD) and Turner syndrome (TS), in comparison with untreated short stature controls in 18 UK centres.

Methods: We used recognized measures of HRQOL, the PedsQL, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Youth Life Optimism Test scales to investigate the effect of GHT at 0, 6 and 12 months in children and adolescents 6-16 years with IGHD (n = 73) and AGHD (n = 45), and 22 girls with TS.