Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Author Spotlight: Self-Assessment Protocol for Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Validation of a Patient Global Assessment for extent, severity and impact to define the severity strata for the Self
N van Geel1, S E Uitentuis2, M Zuidgeest3
1Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Background:
The Self Assessment Vitiligo Extent Score (SA-VES) is a validated, patient-reported outcome measure to assess the body surface area affected with vitiligo. Information on how to translate the obtained score into extent, severity and impact strata (mild-moderate-severe) is still lacking. Stratification is helpful to define inclusion criteria for trials, enables comparison and pooling of trial results and can be used for epidemiological research.
Objectives:
The aim was to develop extent, severity and impact strata for the SA-VES based on validated anchor-based questions.
Methods:
In total, 315 patients with vitiligo (non-segmental; age ≥ 16) recruited at the Ghent University Hospital (Belgium) completed a questionnaire that was conducted in cooperation with the Dutch Society for vitiligo patients to ensure content validity. First three anchor questions included in the questionnaire [Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) for vitiligo extent, severity and impact] were assessed for content validity, construct validity and intrarater reliability. Subsequently, the PtGAs were used to stratify the SA-VES based on ROC analysis.
Results:
For all PtGAs (PtGA extent, PtGA severity, PtGA impact), at least 75% of hypotheses evaluated for construct validity were confirmed. Intrarater reliability of all PtGAs was good to excellent (ICCs PtGA extent: 0.623; PtGA severity: 0.828; PtGA impact: 0.851). The optimal cut-off values of the SA-VES between the three global categories (mild/limited - moderate - severe/extensive) were 1.05% and 6.45% based on PtGA extent, 2.07% and 4.8% based on PtGA severity and 2% and 3.35% based on PtGA impact.
Conclusion:
This study provides the first guide for the interpretation of the numerical output obtained by the SA-VES (vitiligo extent) and enables the translation into a global vitiligo grading for extent, severity and impact. As patients' interpretation of vitiligo extent, severity and impact may vary amongst patients worldwide, future international studies will be required.
More Related Videos
06:34SCAnED - An Open-source Skin Segmentation Macro for Semi-automated Cell and Nuclei Detection in Epidermal and Dermal Skin Compartments
Published on: August 8, 2025
07:25Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...