Objective: The objective was to investigate the effects of 3 years of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in GH deficient (GHD) patients in Sweden.
Design and patients: An open label study in 237 adults with GHD (116 men and 121 women), consecutively enrolled in KIMS (Pfizer's international metabolic database) in Sweden.
Measurements: QoL and healthcare consumption were determined using questionnaires [QoL-assessment of GHD in Adults (QoL-AGHDA), the psychological general well-being (PGWB) index and the patient life situation form (PLSF)].
Results: The mean starting dose of GH was 0.13 mg/day and the mean maintenance dose was 0.37 mg/day. The mean insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) SD score increased from -1.92 at baseline to 0.38 after 3 years. There was a sustained increase in QoL as measured by the QoL-AGHDA and PGWB questionnaires. The number of doctor visits and the number of days in hospital were reduced after 3 years of GH replacement. The number of days of sickleave decreased during the first 2 years of treatment, but returned towards baseline values after 3 years. Leisure-time physical activity and satisfaction with physical activity increased.
Conclusion: Three years of GH replacement therapy induced a sustained improvement in QoL. Healthcare consumption was reduced, although the reduction in the number of days of sickleave was not statistically significant after 3 years of treatment.