The impact of biochemical control on the quality of life of patients with acromegaly
The impact of biochemical control on the quality of life of patients with acromegaly

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: Quality of life (Qol) is undoubtedly important for patient case management. Thecurrent goal of a treatment extends therefore beyond biochemical monitoring, including thephysical, mental and social state of wellbeing. We aimed to correlate disease activity with theperception of Qol in acromegalic patients.Methods: We performed a single center cross-sectional study on 26 patients: 9 men (34.6%)and 17 women (65.4%), with a mean age of 53 ± 11.5 years. Eleven patients (42.3%) had abiochemically controlled disease, while 15 subjects (57.7%) had an active disease.Results: The mean total score of the quality of life was 60.9 ± 12.6 in women, ranging from 40to 85, while for men, the mean total score was of 64.04 ± 14.78, ranging from 42 to 85(p=0.575). There was no significant difference between the mean AcroQol scores of patientswith controlled or active disease (62.54 ± 13.42 vs 61.23 ± 13.46, p = 0.804). Patients youngerthan 60 had a significantly lower total score compared to older patients, (58.36 ± 14.17 vs64.26 ± 12.44, p=0.047). Rural residents also scored lower than patients belonging to theurban region: (58.18 ± 11.21 vs 67.19 ± 14.39, p=0.048). Disease duration was negativelycorrelated with total score on AcroQol (r = -0.253, p= 0.045). We did not find significantcorrelations between GH and IGF1 levels and AcroQol (p=0,622 and p = 0.844, respectively).Conclusions: We found no significant differences between males and females, as well asbetween patients with active and controlled disease regarding the Qol, but other factors like age or locality provenience may play some role for the perceived health status and quality oflife in acromegalic patients

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