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). 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 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 less than or equal to 0.01, Mann-Whitney).