Quality of Life in Vascular Anomalies

Abstract

Hemangiomas and vascular malformations that cause disfigurement or functional limitations may affect the quality life of the affected individual and their families. Negative reaction from strangers, social stigmatization, sadness, stress and low self-esteem are some of the commonly reported effects of having such lesions. Extensive and accurate education about the disease process and advice from support groups may improve quality of life. Psychological intervention may be indicated for some individuals and families.

Infantile haemangiomas and quality of life

“…During the period from 3 years to 7 years, children with visible and significant haemangiomas may have self-image and self-esteem issues 4. Indeed, studies investigating the impact of appearance on behaviour and self-esteem suggest that children with craniofacial anomalies are more introverted and express a more negative self-concept than unaffected children 5 6. Several studies showed that vascular craniofacial anomalies, such as port wine stains, are associated with quality of life (QOL) impairment and lower self-esteem 9 10.…”

Long‐term health‐related quality of life in children with lymphatic malformations treated with sclerotherapy generally matched age‐appropriate standardised population norms

“…To some extent, prior study findings vary with regard to the HRQoL of patients with vascular malformations. For example, some studies have shown that patients with vascular anomalies, or other rare diseases, demonstrated an increased risk of undesirable physical and psychological long‐term consequences, despite treatment outcomes .…”

“…Vascular anomalies and related morbidities have been associated with a negative impact on the psychological and social life of patients and families. That is why clinical follow‐ups also need to pay attention to the impact of illness, and its treatment, on psychosocial and quality of life (QoL) outcomes . We need to increase our knowledge of the long‐term outcomes of these conditions and multidisciplinary assessments are needed to address various outcomes, including those that are potentially linked to QoL .…”

“…Although QoL and HRQoL have regularly been addressed with regard to other serious childhood illnesses , it has rarely been studied in children treated for lymphatic malformations in their head and neck regions . A subset of 26 patients took part in an explorative QoL survey that formed part of a study of long‐term follow‐ups of lymphatic malformations localised to the head and neck or trunk .…”

Low-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck: clinicopathology and image guided therapy

“…Swelling is common, and local compressive effects can result from extension into adjacent structures such as the orbit, parotid gland, larynx or adjacent musculature. Resulting cosmetic deformity can have profound psychological effects on both patient and parent 9. The cycle of intralesional thrombosis and thrombolysis results in consumption of fibrinogen and production of fibrin split products, with a normal prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, termed local intravascular coagulopathy (LIC).…”