IntroductionAcromegaly, a chronic disease caused by GH/IGF-I excess, has a major impact on quality of life (QoL).ObjectiveTo evaluate QoL of acromegalic patients in relation to control status of the disease.Design and methodsSingle center observational study including 93 patients with acromegaly recruited to complete QoL questionnaire (AcroQol). QoL was evaluated at least 3 months after surgery and/or medical treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: controlled (I) and uncontrolled (II) according to the latest consensus acromegaly ‘control’ criteria and further subdivided into four subgroups according to the previous pituitary adenoma surgery (Ib and IIb) or without surgery (Ia and IIa).ResultsMean GH (0.81±0.47 ng/ml) and IGF-I (195±71 ng/ml) values in group I were significantly lower than in group II (GH, 7.01±12.05 ng/ml and IGF-I, 513±316 ng/ml; PP=0.035). In group II, IGF-I level was lower after surgery (IIa=588±353, IIb=410±225 ng/ml; PP=0.009).ConclusionQoL is severely impaired in acromegalic patients. Control of GH/IGF-I excess by surgery or medical treatment seems to have a positive impact on psychological subscale appearance.
