Disease severity, quality of life and health care in plaque-type psoriasis:: A multicenter cross-sectional study in Germany

Background: Plaque-type psoriasis produces significant morbidity, has negative effects on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and represents an economic burden. Objectives: The assessment of disease severity, HRQoL and health care in plaque-type psoriasis in everyday German medical practice. Methods: Details of patients with plaque-type psoriasis were recorded by 48 dermatologists in Germany. During the visit, demographic data, medical history, previous and current treatments, occupational impairment, the current state of the disease (measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PASI), overall lesion severity, and HRQoL were evaluated. Results: In total, 1,511 plaque-type psoriasis patients were included. The average PASI score was 12.0. The average Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 8.6. Among the patients with the severest psoriasis (PASI > 20), only 45.4% had ever been prescribed systemic treatments. Conclusions: Psoriasis patients have a reduced HRQoL and are not sufficiently treated in practice. A more widespread use of systemic treatment and the definition of treatment goals are essential to improve the standard of care for psoriasis patients. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.