A modified Vancouver Scar Scale linked with TBSA (mVSS-TBSA): Inter-rater reliability of an innovative burn scar assessment method

Interpretation of the DermaLab Combo® pigmentation and vascularity measurements in burn scar assessment: An exploratory analysis

“…The low inter-rater reliability of the pigmentation component of the mVSS means that misclassification of mVSS categories was possible even when the two raters agreed. In an earlier study we found that inter-rater reliability for pigmentation in the mVSS was dependent on the severity of the scar and the combination of raters [7]. Another possible factor that may have contributed to the poor fit between the MI% values and the mVSS categories of normal pigmentation and hypopigmentation is the influence of body hair on the melanin estimates obtained with spectrophotometry [18].…”

“…Subjects were stratified by pigmentation categories (normal pigmentation, hypopigmentation, mixed pigmentation and hyperpigmentation) and vascularity categories (normal vascularity, pink, red and purple) during recruitment until each category achieved a minimum of 20 subjects. The data were recorded in the mVSS data collection sheet [7] and the data stratification sheet (Appendix I).…”

“…For pigmentation inter-rater reliability was 'marginal' in both 'best' (weighted kappa (K w ) 0.5-0.6) and 'worst' (K w 0.1-0.3) areas of the scar while for vascularity inter-rater reliability was 'good to excellent' (in both 'best' [K w 0.4-0.7] and 'worst' [K w 0.6-0.8] areas the scar). This study made recommendations for improving the inter-rater reliability of pigmentation and vascularity components by using more objective tests [7].…”

“…A modified VSS [6] is currently used at the Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) in Western Australia to conduct scar assessments. In a previous study the inter-rater reliability of this method was established [7]. For pigmentation inter-rater reliability was 'marginal' in both 'best' (weighted kappa (K w ) 0.5-0.6) and 'worst' (K w 0.1-0.3) areas of the scar while for vascularity inter-rater reliability was 'good to excellent' (in both 'best' [K w 0.4-0.7] and 'worst' [K w 0.6-0.8] areas the scar).…”

Estudo comparativo de matrizes dérmicas de colágeno bovino com e sem lâmina de silicone no tratamento da contratura cicatricial pós-queimadura - Análise clínica e histológica

“…Os instrumentos comumente utilizados incluem escalas subjetivas de classificação da cicatriz como a Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) 205 219 modificaram a classificação acrescentando no item pigmentação a categoria "pigmentação mista" e no item altura uma nova categoria, mudando de quatro para cinco.…”