Quality of life in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with biologic therapies

Introduction. Numerous published studies have shown impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of biologic treatments on HRQoL in clinical practice. Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted at 12 Psocare Centres in Italy and included patients with chronic plaque psoriasis switching to biologic therapy from conventional systemic treatments, or resuming biologic therapy after a suspension of at least 1 year. HRQoL was assessed at enrolment and after 6 months of treatment with biologics. Results. A total of 185 patients were enrolled, of which 178 were included in the analysis. At enrolment, moderate or severe anxiety and depression were reported by 46.6% and 34.8% of patients, respectively. Psychological problems were unrelated to objective assessments of disease severity. Significant proportions of patients reported sexual problems, embarrassment about their condition and appearance, clothing choices being affected, and concern over possible future effects of the disease. After 6 months of treatment with biologics the proportions of patients reporting these disease-related problems reduced. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that biologic treatments improve HRQoL in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also highlights the importance of HRQoL as a key measure of the efficacy of treatments for this condition.