HRQoL of European children and adolescents with short stature as assessed with generic (KIDSCREEN) and chronic-generic (DISABKIDS) instruments

Abstract

Introduction. Short stature may be associated with impairments in health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This study compares the HrQoL of children/adolescents diagnosed with short stature to population norms and examined the effects of height deviation and treatment status on HrQoL. Method. We cross-sectionally assessed 110 children/adolescents aged 8-18, with current short stature (height deviation equal to or below -2 SD) or normal height achieved since diagnosis, and 98 parents, using the generic KIDSCREEN and the chronic-generic DISABKIDS instruments. Results. Generic HrQoL of patients was similar to population norms. Patients with achieved normal height reported better chronic-generic HrQoL when untreated, while patients with current short stature reported better HrQoL when receiving treatment. Parents reported better HrQoL for treated patients, especially for girls. Conclusion. Although their HrQoL is not significantly compromised, patients diagnosed with short stature may profit from growth-hormone treatment. Specific instruments are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of treatment.