Psychosocial adjustment of children and adults with port wine stains.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
A survey by questionnaire of patients with PWS not previously treated.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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).
van der Horst
C M
CM
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
de Borgie
C A
CA
Knopper
J L
JL
Bossuyt
P M
PM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D019339:Port-Wine Stain / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012917:Social Adjustment