Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Background: Chronic liver disease has been shown to be associated with reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) in both adults and children, even in early stages of liver disease. Aim of work: The aim of this study is to assess HRQoL in children and adolescents with WD and to investigate factors that may alter QoL in these patients. Patients and methods: This was a case control study conducted on 30 WD patients and 30 age and sex matched normal healthy controls. HRQoL was assessed by using world health organization quality of Life BREF questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) for cases and controls and with chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) for cases. Results: The mean ±SD age of the patients was 14.07 ± 3.36 years. Children with WD showed significant lower HRQoL scores compared to normal controls as regards physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of WHOQoL (p = 0.000). As regards CLDQ we found a mild and moderate reduction in QoL among WD patients. There were statistically significant lower scores in worry domain of CLDQ among females than males. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with WD have significantly lower HRQoL compared to healthy individuals. HRQoL in patients with CLD complications is more affected in some aspects. Worry represents a significant compromise in female cases than males. Low social level has an impact on QoL of WD patients

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