Assessment of quality-of-life in patients with face-and-neck burns: The Burn-Specific Health Scale for Face and Neck (BSHS-FN)

Introduction

Burns to the cephalic extremities are particularly implicated in problems of self-image and alterations to personal social relations. The aim of this study was to objectively assess the quality-of-life (QoL) of patients suffering from face-and-neck burns through our newly created scale: The Burn-Specific Health Scale for Face and Neck (BSHS-FN).

Methods

After constructing the BSHS-FN, we compared QoL of patients with or without face-and-neck burns. SF-36, the French version of the BSHS-B (Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief), and the BSHS-FN were administrated to 53 patients divided into two groups: GB group (general burns, 26 patients) and FN group (face-neck burns, 27 patients).

Results

QoL evaluated using the SF-36 had a higher average total score in GB patients compared to FN patients, but there were no significant difference between the two groups (54.3 ± 18.5 vs. 47.0 ± 17.3, respectively, p = 0.11). In contrast, in BSHS-B the total score was significantly different between the two groups with a higher score recorded for the GB group (71.9 ± 13.4 [median: 72.8] in the GB group vs. 62.2 ± 14.4 [median: 64.4] in the FN group). In percentage terms, total score of BSHS-FN for GB group was 79.1 ± 10.1, while total score for FN group was 53.6 ± 13.1 (p < 0.001), with the highest score for the Face and Neck domain in GB group (99.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001)

Conclusion

The BSHS-FN seemed to be more appropriate to assess QoL for FN burn patients. This study supports its application in routine clinical practice and in international studies.