Quality of life assessment in adults with type 1 Gaucher disease

The effect of enzyme replacement therapy on health-related quality of life in 25 adults with type 1 Gaucher disease was investigated over a 2-year period. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Psychological functioning was assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90R. The results indicated significant improvement in 7 of 8 SF scale scores beginning at 18 months of therapy (P<0.05 to 0.001). The SF scale showing improvement first was Vitality (energy level and fatigue) at 6 months of therapy (P<0.01). The SF-36 scales showing the largest improvements were Role-Physical and Social Functioning (P<0.001). Compared to the general US adult population, the study population's health profile was significantly lower prior to starting therapy but by 24 months of therapy there were no differences between the two. No differences were found in psychological functioning compared to a US adult normative group at the start of therapy. However, within the study population there was significant improvement in mood and global functioning and fewer psychological symptoms reported at 24 months of therapy. The findings indicate that enzyme replacement therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease has a positive impact on health-related quality of life from the patient's perspective.