Publication
Title
A descriptive study of psoriasis characteristics, severity and impact among 3,269 patients : results of a Belgian cross sectional study (BELPSO)
Author
Institution/Organisation
BELPSO Steering Comm
Abstract
Background: Although several large observational studies have reported on psoriasis characteristics, very few have included severity assessments by dermatologists and validated health related quality of life measures. Objective: To describe psoriasis characteristics, clinical severity and their impact on quality of life of patients diagnosed with psoriasis by a dermatologist. Methods: From 2006 to 2007, 192 Belgian dermatologists examined psoriasis patients. Demographics, type of psoriasis, body sites affected, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Body Surface Area and Physician's Global Assessment were assessed. Patients answered questions concerning their psoriasis and completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-17 and EQ-5D. Results: Of the 3,629 psoriasis patients, more than three quarters had plaque psoriasis for more than 16 years. One fifth had nail involvement, 16% had affected genitals, 15% suffered from severe joint pain, 6.4% reported psoriatic arthritis diagnosed by a rheumatologist. Despite therapy, for 83% patients the clinical psoriasis severity was relatively high (mean PASI 8.5 and % BSA12). 40% of patients reported a substantial impact of psoriasis, according to the DLQI and Skindex-17 and the mean EQ-5D scorewas 0.76. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients consulting dermatologists present with relatively severe disease and often report a high impact on their physical and psychological well-being.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European journal of dermatology. - Montrouge, 1991, currens
Publication
Montrouge : John Libbey , 2012
ISSN
1167-1122 [print]
1952-4013 [online]
DOI
10.1684/EJD.2011.1623
Volume/pages
22 :2 (2012) , p. 231-237
ISI
000302908700013
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.06.2012
Last edited 09.10.2023
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