Psychosocial adjustment of children and adults with port wine stains
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C M van der Horst1, C A de Borgie, J L Knopper
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
To assess the impact of a facial port wine stain (PWS) on behavioural problems in children and on health related quality of life in adults applying for laser treatment.
Design:
A survey by questionnaire of patients with PWS not previously treated.
Outcome Measures:
Two standard general instruments and a more specific PWS questionnaire were used. Adolescents and adults (13-31 years) received a short version of the RAND Health Insurance Questionnaire from the Medical Outcome Study (MOS-24). Children's (4-12 years) parents received the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). A specific PWS questionnaire was sent to both age groups.
Analysis:
The results of the MOS-24 were compared with those of a reference population without chronic illness. Observed behaviour in children was compared with data from a Dutch reference group, from children with constipation and from another group of children with a PWS.
Results:
41 MOS-24 and 41 CBCL were returned (91% and 95% response rates, respectively). Adolescents and adults reported little effect on role and social functioning, but showed low scores for mental health, self-perceived health and vitality/health. Children's parents reported no clinically significant problem behaviour (T-score > 70). Adults experienced more negative psychosocial consequences of having a PWS than children (specific PWS questionnaire).
Conclusions:
Children with PWS do not show significant problem behaviour. Adolescents and adults reported less vitality/energy than was expected in this age group. Adolescents and adults showed statistically significant negative consequences of their PWS in social contacts compared to children (P < or = 0.01, Mann-Whitney).