Ethanolgel sclerotherapy of venous malformations improves health-related quality-of-life in adults and children - results of a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the treatment-induced changes of health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in patients with venous malformations (VM) who underwent ethanol gel sclerotherapy.

METHODS: The prospective study in children and adults was approved by the local ethics committee. 31 patients (mean age 23.42 years, range 6.6 - 46.5; 26 female, 5 male) with VM were included. Patients' self-assessed HRQoL was measured before and after treatment using psychometrically validated questionnaires for adults and children. Differences were analysed with a paired t test.

RESULTS: 58 sclerotherapy sessions were performed. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) at baseline was 43.69 and increased significantly (p = 0.01122) to 48.95 after treatment. The bodily pain (BP) scale increased significantly from 37.94 to 48.56 (p = 0.00002), the general health (GH) scale increased significantly from 46.69 to 52.17 (p = 0.00609). Baseline Physical Summary Score (PHS) in children increased significantly after treatment (p < 0.00001) from 25.25 to 45.89. The baseline Psychosocial Summary Score (PSS) in children was 51.08 and increased significantly (p = 0.00031) after treatment to 58.84.

CONCLUSION: Paediatric and adult patients with VM suffer from bodily pain with overall reduced physical functioning. After sclerotherapy, these restrictions are successfully returning to normal levels with a positive effect on mental and psychosocial domains.

KEY POINTS: • Sclerotherapy in venous malformation patients has an unknown effect on health-related quality-of-life • Prospective study showed improvements in bodily pain and general health in adults • Children and adults improved from treatment with ethanol gel • Sclerotherapy is an appropriate therapy.