ECONOMIC-ANALYSES OF THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

Increased pressures on health care budgets in most countries have emph asized the need for economic evaluation studies of drugs and treatment s. Being a chronic condition affecting 1 to 2% of the general populati on, psoriasis has a substantial economic impact. Several studies on th e economic impact have already been published. It is not easy to calcu late exactly the costs and outcomes of treatments. One has to be caref ul of the pitfalls and be wary of wrong interpretations. Results from different countries can not be extrapolated and are not easily compare d. Psoriasis also causes significant psychosocial morbidity. More and more studies, using a variety of methods are trying to assess the impa ct of the disease on the quality of life. Physicians and patients are being sensitized through these economic studies to the cost of treatme nt which is important in this period of budget restrictions. The resul ts of these studies can help in management decisions, in a more ration al use of resources, and can rule out ineffective and expensive treatm ents.