Abstract
Background
Psoriasis impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Objective
To improve understanding of flare burden in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Methods
A retrospective, cross-sectional study comparing data in U.S. patients with and without psoriasis flares. Physicians identified flaring patients as those not in remission, or in remission < 12 weeks, with worsening/unstable disease progression.
Results
Overall health status (EQ-5D-3L) was reduced in flaring versus matched non-flaring patients (P = .001); this difference was clinically meaningful (> 0.074 difference in absolute value). Reduced HRQoL and activity impairment, measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index (P = .0178) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (P = .0002), respectively, were observed in flaring versus non-flaring patients. Anxiety was associated with flaring (P = .0139). Flaring patients were less satisfied with treatment effectiveness than non-flaring patients (P < .0001). The flaring group experienced a median of two flares over 12 months.
Conclusion
Flares are associated with reduced health status and HRQoL and lower treatment satisfaction.
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