Dermatological life quality index in psoriasis out patients: the changing trend

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by remissions and exacerbations, having great impact on social and psychological aspects. From mild plaque psoriasis to more severe pustular and erythrodermic forms with or without joint involvement, is known to have a negative impact on QOL (Quality of Life). Appropriate treatment will improve both disease outcome and QOL in patients. The objective of the study was to assess QOL in psoriasis patient of different age group, type, duration and severity of disease, and their response to this assessment.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross sectional study was done with pretested DLQI questionnaire on 101 psoriasis patients, in a government hospital. Interpretation of score and impact on QOL was done and graded as mild, moderate, considerable, severe and very severe.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In our study, females outnumbered males with male female ratio of 1:1.5. The mean age 39.56±16.029 years. No significant association was noted between grade of affection and demographic variants. Most of them had moderate impact on QOL. QOL was worst affected in patients <5 years of disease duration. 85% of the patients felt happy & 15% felt neutral on being evaluated by this questionnaire.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> It is suggested that DLQI is assessed in all new/patients with less than 5 years of disease. Appropriate systemic/photo therapy to be initiated even in mild disease if there is negative impact on the QOL. Assessment of QOL strengthens the doctor-patient rapport and improves better patient adherence to therapy and achieves faster and better control of the disease.</p>

Dermatological life quality index in psoriasis

“…This study was performed to assess the impact of psoriasis on the quality of life of the patients affected by the disease. In this study, patients in the age group 41-60 years formed the majority and the least were below 20 years age group, the findings are almost similar in the study by Parimalam et al 1 The DLQI was severely affected for few patients in the 21-40 years age group whereas it was very much affected in the majority in the 41-60 years age group.…”

“…The disorder has a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients and hampers the daily routine of the patients. 1 Various research studies have proven the association of psoriasis with psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies. 2 Spending adequate time with the patient and explaining the course of the disease and also explaining to the relatives and friends can improve the quality of life of the patient.…”

Psoriasis and homeopathy: Need for research?

“…In a study, it was seen that Psoriasis can have a profound impact on a patient quality of life. The measurement of disease severity and its impact on patient's quality of life is being neglected in Indian population [2] . This article also points out the concern of WHO on research on Psoriasis, where they have found the limitations in therapeutics researches.…”

“…This article also points out the concern of WHO on research on Psoriasis, where they have found the limitations in therapeutics researches. In this study they have focussed on need for researches related to psoriasis especially addressing the aspects of epidemiology, aetiology, association with comorbidities, treatment and ways to improve healthcare services [2] . Here they have understood that Psoriasis, being a psychosomatic illness has influences of environment, ethnicity, genetics, clinical presentations and treatment outcomes.…”

“…Also it becomes indispensable for the upcoming generations of medical researchers to formulate new ways to identify risk factors and comprehend novel therapies particularly for Indian population suffering from Psoriasis. The Indian researchers were ranked 11 th when compared to most active countries (such as the US, UK and Germany) and were reported to actively contribute to psoriatic research as evidenced by their substantial number of publications (849 articles during 1973-2012; 2% of global production) with an overall growth rate of 127.5 percent [2] . This now becomes chiefly an obligation for Indian scientists to undertake charge of assessment of the prevalent data and produce extensive information to sketch out the picture of Psoriasis in India.…”