title: Modified Vancouver Scar Scale score is linked with quality of life after burn.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to determine if a scar quality is associated with quality of life (QoL) at six months post-burn and beyond.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantile regression models adjusted for covariates were used to demonstrate the relationship of modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) total (with and without pigmentation) and the mVSS components, to the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) scores (full scale, Affect and Relations domain, Skin Sensitivity domain).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample (n=341) comprised 67% males, 83% with skin grafts with a median age 38 years, total body surface area (TBSA) 4%, length of stay seven days, mVSS total score of five and BSHS-B total score of 153. Between six and 12 months of injury, mVSS total, TBSA and female gender were significantly associated with the BSHS-B, a situation that was not affected by the presence or absence of pigmentation scores. The mVSS components did not individually influence QoL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  mVSS total score, gender and burn size data may be a useful adjunct to experienced clinical judgment for identifying at risk patients and directing appropriate, timely resource allocation.
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia. Electronic address: vidya.finlay@health.wa.gov.au.
authors.forename: Vidya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Finlay
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kendell
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berghuber
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Dale W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Edgar
authors.affiliation: Burn Service of Western Australia at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D001830:Body Surface Area; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D000073278:Self-Management; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief; Burns; Modified Vancouver Scar Scale; Quality of life; Scar