Authors: Henrik Falhammar Helena Filipsson Nyström Marja Thorén
Publish Date: 2014/01/10
Volume: 47, Issue: 1, Pages: 299-307
Abstract
To determine quality of life QoL in adult males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia CAH CAH males with 21hydroxylase deficiency n = 30 19–67 years old were compared with controls n = 32 QoL was assessed using questionnaires on general living conditions and sexual issues and the psychological wellbeing index PGWB form Fewer CAH males than controls were students 3 vs 25 P = 0028 and more had bluecollar work 57 vs 33 P = 0023 Patients were less interested in sports 47 vs 72 P = 0034 and art/literature/film 10 vs 47 P = 0004 PGWB total score was 827 ± 137 versus 870 ± 111 P = NS but hydrocortisone/cortisone acetate treated scored lower than controls and prednisolone treated Glucocorticoid overtreated had lower QoL than those with poor control PGWB total score 771 ± 135 vs 924 ± 111 P = 0026 and controls P = 0025 Total PGWB score was positively correlated with adrenal androgens and steroid precursors Subscale scores indicated that patients with late diagnosis were more depressive 121 ± 28 vs 139 ± 14 P = 0011 and had a lower selfcontrol 113 ± 36 vs 131 ± 10 P = 0019 compared with controls Sexual satisfaction was similar in spite of more patients being sexually inactive 27 vs 6 P = 0040 Adult CAH males differed from controls with respect to type of occupation and spare time interests but had similar QoL despite being less sexually active Optimizing glucocorticoid therapy might further improve QoL Some disadvantages found in patients diagnosed late will hopefully not be seen in patients diagnosed by neonatal screening but this has yet to be studiedWe thank Anette Härström and Ingrid Hansson for their excellent care of patients and controls This study was supported by the Magn Bergvalls Foundation Swedish Endocrine Society Karolinska Institutet Stockholm County Council and Göteborg Medical Society
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