Quality of Life in Acromegaly and the Association with the Clinical Parameters of the Disease

Abstract

Background: Quality of life is currently considered a major factor in the assessment of disease outcome. Most patients with acromegaly present with skin, bone and soft tissue alterations, as well as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular symptoms and all these affect patient's mood, personality, interpersonal relationships and social behavior. The aim of this study was to assess quality of life in acromegaly and the association with the clinical characteristics of the disease. Methods:This cross-sectional study included a total of 101 (45 male, 56 female) patients with acromegaly, mean age 59.51 ± 1.35 years (mean ± SEM), with a disease duration of 12.88 ± 0.96 years. All subjects completed the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL). Results:Total (mean ± SEM) score was 86.15±1.37 (min22-max110), psychological parameters score was 54.98±0,95 (min 14-max 70), appearance score was 25.95±0.54 (min 7-max 35), personal relationship score was 29.37±0.52 (min7-max 35) and finally physical parameters score was 30.93±0.58 (min8-max 40). Women and older patients showed slightly worse scores. Patients with macroadenomas, those who received radiotherapy, and those with comorbidities appeared with less mean total QoL scores. Conclusion:The assessment of quality of life is a critical end point in the management of acromegaly and improvement of quality of life is a major aim in the therapeutic management of acromegaly.