Quality of life is reduced in patients with Klinefelter syndrome on androgen replacement therapy.
BACKGROUND
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder, characterized by an XXY karyotype, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism and infertility, which affects approximately 1 in 700 men. KS has also been associated with neuropsychological alterations.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether quality of life (QoL) is reduced in patients with KS on androgen treatment.


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
Questionnaires (RAND-36) were sent to 46 KS patients on androgen treatment who regularly visit the outpatient clinic of an academic medical centre. QoL scores were compared with a Dutch male reference group.


RESULTS
Forty (87%) questionnaires were returned which were suitable for evaluation. KS patients had significantly lower (worse) scores on eight of the nine domains of the RAND questionnaire compared with the male reference group. In KS patients, higher education was associated with significantly better QoL scores.


CONCLUSIONS
QoL is reduced in patients with KS on androgen treatment.
de Ronde
Willem
W
Department of Endocrinology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.deronde@vumc.nl
de Haan
Anne
A
Drent
Madeleine L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000728:Androgens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007713:Klinefelter Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000728:Androgens