THE IMPACT OF PSORIASIS ON THE QUALITY-OF-LIFE OF PATIENTS FROM THE 16-CENTER PUVA FOLLOW-UP COHORT

Background: The impact of psoriasis on the quality of life of patients is likely to be principally related to alterations in individual appe arance and consequent psychosocial disability. Quantifying the impact of psoriasis and related changes from therapy would help in the select ion of optimal management. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of psoriasis on patients with severe disease who have had photo chemotherapy (PUVA). Methods: In 1979 we interviewed 877 of 988 still participating patients who were enrolled in 15 of 16 centers in the PU VA Follow-up Study. We determined the impact of psoriasis on quality o f Life with a questionnaire that had been modified to incorporate meas ures of impairment that are likely to be affected by cutaneous disease . Results: Psoriasis had substantial impact on the quality of life. Wo men were more likely than men to report impairment in quality of life dimensions. The impact of disease decreased with increasing age. Moder ate to high relative impact on total quality of life was more often re ported by patients who had recently used UVB phototherapy than by thos e using PUVA or methotrexate. Conclusion: Psoriasis has a substantial impact on the quality of life. This impact seems to decrease with incr easing age. Use of specific treatments are also associated with the ex tent to which psoriasis affects quality of life.