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

Numerous publisched studies have shown impaired health - related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psotiasis. Objective. To evaluate the impact of biologic treatments on HRQoL in clinical practice. Methods. A prospective observational study was condeuced at 12 Psocare Centers in Italy and included patients with chronic plaque psoriasis switching to biolocic therapy after a suspension of at list 1 year. HRQoL was assessed at enrolment and after 6 months of treatment with biologics. Results. A totalo of 185 patients were enrolled, of which 178 were included in the analysis. At enro lment, moderate or serever anxiety and drepession were reported by 46.6% and 34,8% of patients, respectively. Psychogical problems were unrelated to objective assessment of disaese severity. Significant proportions of patients reported sexual problems, embarrassment about their condition and appearance, cloting choices being affected, and concern over possible future effects of the disease. After 6 months of treatment with biolologics the propotions of patients reporting these disease - related problems reduced. Conclusion. This study demostred that biologic treatment improve HRQoL in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also highlights the importance of HRQoL as a key measure of the efficacy of treatments for the condition.