Real-world outcomes in 2,646 psoriasis patients : one in five has PASI ≥ 10 and/or DLQI ≥ 10 under ongoing systemic therapy

Background: Although biologics introduced a new era in psoriasis care when available a decade ago, it is unclear to what extent the available systemic treatments treat patients adequately. Objective To analyse the clinical severity and quality of life of the psoriasis population in Sweden treated with systemics. Methods: Data included 2,646 patients from the Swedish Registry for Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis. Average Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and EQ-5D were reported. A subgroup of persisting moderate-to-severe psoriasis as defined by PASI≥10 and/or DLQI≥10 after >12 weeks treatment was analysed. Results: Mean (SD) PASI, DLQI, and EQ-5D were 4.12 (4.57), 4.11 (5.24) and 0.79 (0.22). Eighteen percent had persisting moderate-to-severe psoriasis (n = 472). These patients were younger, had higher BMI, had psoriasis arthritis and were smoking to a larger extent (p < 0.01) compared to lower-severity patients (n = 2174). Mean (SD) EQ-5D was also considerably lower 0.63 (0.29) vs. 0.82 (0.19) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Almost one in every five patients had persisting moderate-to-severe psoriasis, despite ongoing systemic treatment. Both comorbidities and life style factors were associated with persisting moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The considerably lower generic quality of life in these patients demonstrates an unmet need. Subsequently, improved access to biologics and continuous drug development is needed in psoriasis.