Spanish psoriasis patients study

[Fred]

This study looked at psoriasis patients in Spain and compared them with the rest of the EU.

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Background:
The Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (MAPP) survey data were not analysed to account for cultural and healthcare system differences across European countries (EC).

Objective:
Utilize MAPP data to characterize psoriasis in Spanish patients, including severity assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Methods:
MAPP was conducted between June and August 2012. This analysis included 1700 patients with self-reported psoriasis (without psoriatic arthritis) from France (n=349), Germany (n=311), Italy (n=359), Spain (n=354) and the United Kingdom (n=327).

Results:
Patients from Spain versus other EC self-reported higher mean body mass index (26.9 vs. 25.6, P≤0.001), lower prevalence of depression (6% vs. 12%, P=0.002) and higher mean self-perceived psoriasis severity at its worst (5.92 vs. 5.33, P<0.001) despite lower estimated body-surface-area involvement. Overall, patients from Spain versus other EC had lower mean global DLQI scores (4.70 vs. 6.06, P=0.001) and mean scores for each DLQI dimension (all P<0.001, except leisure [P=0.002], treatment [P=0.002], and work and school [P=0.005]). Higher DLQI values were inversely associated with age and directly correlated with perceived severity. Palmoplantar, nail and scalp psoriasis were reported less frequently in Spanish patients (P≤0.026) and were associated with higher DLQI values (P<0.01). Spanish patients were more likely to have seen multiple healthcare providers (HCPs, P<0.001) and achieve therapeutic goals (P<0.001), but current treatments were similar to patients in other EC.

Conclusions:
In the MAPP survey, Spanish patients differed from other EC in several characteristics, including comorbidities, extent and distribution of psoriasis lesions, perception of severity and impact on quality-of-life. Their perception of psoriasis severity was higher despite a lower estimated extent, and DLQI scores were significantly lower. Spanish patients had more HCP visits and a higher rate of therapeutic goal achievement. These differences might be attributed to cultural factors, phenotypical variation and differences in HCP access.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Ealry view funding unknown.