Biologics and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in the Australasian psoriasis population

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic condition that may require long-term treatment for disease control. This analysis utilizes data from the Australasian Psoriasis Registry with particular attention to the impact of biologic therapy on DLQI, and the differences between the biologics in terms of DLQI score change.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients enrolled in the Australasian Psoriasis Registry from April 2008 to August 2016 was conducted. All subjects from the registry that had DLQI and Psoriasis Assessment Severity Index (PASI) scores recorded at a baseline time point of treatment commencement, in addition to week 12 and 24 post commencement were included in the study. A window of ±3 weeks was permitted at these time points. Multivariate linear regression analysis was undertaken to identify significant predictors associated with change in DLQI.

Results: Significant predictors of reduction in DLQI and PASI score from baseline to week 24 include use of adalimumab, infliximab, secukinumab and ustekinumab. Other therapies, including etanercept and oral systemic agents did not show significant change. Each class of biologic showed significant reductions in DLQI score, with IL-12/23 blockade showing the greatest reduction. Significant predictors of lack of reduction in DLQI score include a baseline PASI score <16, and history of diabetes, alcoholism or uveitis.

Conclusions: Patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are treated with biologics show the greatest reduction in DLQI score, compared with other treatments. Australian dermatologists are prescribing biologics when patients qualify for them in keeping with current guidelines.

Keywords:

• Psoriasis
• DLQI
• biologics

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Australasian Psoriasis Registry (Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc.) for provision of data and support of this project.

Disclosure statement

Declaration of any financial support or relationships that may pose a conflict of interest are listed below

Prof George Varigos is on advisory boards for Novartis, Celgene, and Janssen.

Dr Con Dolianitis has been on advisory committee or received grants from Abbvie, Jannsen, Novartis, Pfizer, Merck Serono.

A/Prof Chris Baker is on advisory boards and institutional grants for Abbvie, Pfizer, Novartis, Celgene, Janssen.

A/Prof Peter Foley: has received honoraria and/or research grants and/or served as an investigator and/or advisory board member for AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galderma, Genentech, GSK, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roche, Sanofi, UCB Pharma, Valeant.