Psychosocial adjustment of children and adults with port wine stains

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). Childrenʹs (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. Childrenʹs parents reported no clinically significant problem behaviour (T-score > 70). Adults experienced more negative psycho-social 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≤ 0.01, Mann-Whitney).