Quality of Life in Adult Hypopituitary Patients Treated for Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone (GH) affects all organ systems and several studies have also indicated an influence on health related quality of life (QoL). Assessment of QoL is therefore considered as one of several valid indicators of whether or not treatment with GH is beneficial. Two main types of QoL measures are generally used: disease-specific and generic. A combination of the two is generally advocated as they seem to be complementary. Methodologically, questionnaires must be correctly validated in the relevant context of language and a sufficient population based reference group.