Itch as a critical factor in impaired health-related quality of life in patients with plaque psoriasis achieving clear or almost-clear skin: Analysis of the single-arm, open-label, multicenter, prospective ProLOGUE study

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with psoriasis report impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Dermatology Life Quality Index score ≥ 2) even after achieving clear or almost-clear skin with biologic treatment.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of brodalumab in HRQoL improvement and the factors associated with incomplete HRQoL improvement in Japanese patients with psoriasis.MethodsAs a part of the single-arm, open-label, multicenter, prospective ProLOGUE study (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: jRCTs031180037), patients were treated with 210 mg of subcutaneous brodalumab in daily clinical practice until week 48. The absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and weeks 12 and 48.ResultsSeventy-three patients (male, 82.2%; median age, 54.0 years) were enrolled. The Dermatology Life Quality Index and European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level Utility Index scores significantly improved from baseline to weeks 12 and 48. At week 48, all 13 patients with a Dermatology Life Quality Index score of ≥2 and an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score of 0 to ≤2 reported itching.LimitationsUnclear generalizability of the results to other biologics.ConclusionTreatment with brodalumab improved HRQoL in patients with psoriasis. Itching may contribute to incomplete HRQoL improvement in patients who have achieved clear or almost-clear skin.