Patient-reported outcomes for keloids: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Research
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Keloids represent abnormal scarring following skin injury.
• Physician-reported outcomes (e.g., scar thickness) may not align with patient experiences.
• Patient perspectives are vital for comprehensive keloid management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for keloids.
• To analyze patient-reported outcomes (PROs) across various keloid treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and EMBASE.
• Studies evaluating keloids using at least one PROM were included in the review.

Main Results:

• Thirty studies were identified, focusing on PROMs, quality of life, and treatments.
• The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was frequently used, but patient and observer scores often disagreed.
• Keloid patients reported significantly worse quality of life; multimodal treatments showed better PROs.

Conclusions:

• PROs provide essential data on patient perceptions and treatment goals in keloid management.
• There is a need for keloid-specific PROMs that integrate scar assessment and quality of life.
• Improved PROMs can enhance the understanding and effectiveness of keloid treatments.