ESPE Abstracts

Background: Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in general pediatric practice. Several adult studies show hyperthyroidism affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, information regarding HRQoL in the pediatric population is limited.

Objectives: To evaluate HRQoL and psychosocial functioning of patients diagnosed with childhood primary hyperthyroidism compared with healthy controls and to identify the possible risk factors of low HRQoL scores in these patients.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis, and participants with childhood primary hyperthyroidism were enrolled. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Scales (PedsQL4.0) was administered to participants and their caregivers for evaluating HRQoL. The psychosocial functioning was assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ). For comparison, the survey was also conducted on healthy children.

Results: Fifty-two patients with childhood hyperthyroidism and fifty-one healthy controls were included in this study. The mean score of the self-report total scale and all subdomains, except social functioning, of the patients were significantly lower than those of the controls. In contrast, only the score for emotional difficulties was substantially higher in the patient group, while the scores in all other domains of self-report SDQ were similar between the two groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that only irregular menstruation and clinical diarrhea were significant risk factors influencing the HRQoL score of patients. The levels of anti-TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) were negatively correlated with the self-report total HRQoL scores of the patients.

Conclusions: We found that hyperthyroidism had a negative impact on the quality of life of children with primary hyperthyroidism. This impact persists many years after diagnosis and during treatment. Therefore, in addition to physical health, physicians should also monitor the quality of life in this group of patients.