Health related quality of life and psychological outcome in patients treated for craniopharyngioma in childhood

Abstract

Patients with craniopharyngioma are at risk for many adverse effects related to the tumour's invasive behaviour and its proximity to many vital structures. Profound psychosocial problems, memory impairment, pituitary and hypothalamic dysfunction in addition to the physical handicap of visual loss are frequently recognized sequelae of craniopharyngioma treatment. Objectives: To examine health related qual ity of life (QoL) and psychological outcomes of patients treated for craniopharyngioma at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, between January 1980 and September 2003. Patients: Seven (17.4%) of 46 (26 male) had died. Thirty-nine rem ained, of whom 30 were contactable. Eighteen of 30 (8..