Dermatology Life Quality Index Scores Research Articles

Health-related quality of life in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis – a Swedish register study

Background Real-world data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) are scarce and studies have been restricted in terms of instruments used for assessments. Objective To assess generic and dermatology-specific HRQoL of patients with GPP compared with patients with plaque psoriasis using real-world data from the Swedish National Register for Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis. Methods Cross-sectional data from 2006 to 2021 including 7041 individuals with plaque psoriasis without GPP and 80 patients with GPP, of which 19% also had plaque psoriasis. Total scores for the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), as well as degree of severity within the instruments’ dimensions/questions, were compared between patient groups. Results EQ-5D scores were significantly (p < .01) lower (worse) in patients with GPP (mean [standard deviation (SD)] 0.613 [0.346]) vs. patients with plaque psoriasis (mean [SD] 0.715 [0.274]), indicating lower generic HRQoL of patients with GPP. Significantly (p < .01) higher (worse) total DLQI scores were observed for patients with GPP (mean [SD] 10.6 [8.9]) compared with patients with plaque psoriasis (mean [SD] 7.7 [7.1]), with proportionally more patients with GPP having severe (20% vs. 16%) and very severe (17% vs. 8%) problems. The worsened scores for GPP vs. plaque psoriasis were consistent across EQ-5D dimensions and DLQI questions. Conclusions Individuals with GPP have a considerable impairment in both generic and dermatology-specific HRQoL. The HRQoL was significantly worse in individuals with GPP compared to individuals with plaque psoriasis. The significant HRQoL impairment of GPP shows the potential value of better healthcare interventions for this multisystem disease.

Rapid and sustained improvement of psoriasis with Bimekizumab: A real‐world case series

AbstractThis retrospective case series examines the efficacy and safety of Bimekizumab in 22 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in a real‐world clinical setting. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, including a mean age of 43.7 years and a gender distribution of 60% male and 40% female, are summarised. Notably, 70% of the patients had previously received systemic therapy, and 50% had concurrent psoriatic arthritis. The evaluation over a 12‐week treatment period revealed a significant reduction in psoriasis area and severity index scores from a baseline mean of 11.5−1.0 at Week 4 and further down to 0.3 by Week 12. Similar improvements were observed in body surface area, physician's global assessment and dermatology life quality index scores. Bimekizumab was well‐tolerated with no reported adverse events, leading to no treatment discontinuations. These findings highlight the potential of Bimekizumab to provide rapid and sustained improvements in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, underlining its value in clinical practice.

Real-World Long-Term Effectiveness of Risankizumab Among Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Analysis from an International Medical Chart Review (RAPID) Study.

Real-world data on the efficacy of risankizumab (RZB) in clinical moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) are limited. The RAPID study assessed real-world clinical and patient-reported outcomes in RZB-treated PsO patients using data collected from dermatologists in Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, and Poland. This ongoing, retrospective chart review collected data from medical records of RZB-treated adults with moderate-to-severe PsO (09/2022-06/2023). Eligible patients received RZB, had ≥ 12months of medical records after RZB initiation (index date), and had Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), or static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) scores ≥ 3months before and up to 18months after the index date. The proportion of patients achieving a clear/almost clear PsO (IGA/sPGA = 0/1), PASI ≤ 1, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) = 0/1, and a 90%/100% improvement from baseline in PASI as well as the mean changes in PASI, DLQI, itch, and skin pain scores at 12 and 18 months were reported for patients with non-missing assessments at baseline and 12months. Most patients (66.4%) were male, 74.0% were biologic naïve, and 73.0% had scalp PsO. Mean baseline IGA/sPGA was 3.7 ± 0.5, with a mean PASI of 23.3 ± 11.8. After 12months, 86.1% of patients reported IGA/sPGA ≤ 1, and 75.7% achieved PASI90; these further increased to 91.1% and 80.5% at 18months. DLQI, itch, and skin pain scores improved over time. These data demonstrated the durable, real-world effectiveness of RZB in patients with moderate-to-severe PsO through continued improvement in disease and symptom severity over 18months, with most of the patients reporting clear/almost clear skin.

Baricitinib for Prurigo Nodularis: A Pilot Study on Efficacy and Safety

Background. Breaking the itch-scratch cycle and facilitating lesion healing are pivotal in managing prurigo nodularis (PN). This study seeks to assess the efficacy of baricitinib, an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, for treating PN. Methods. In this prospective pilot study, 12 patients with moderate to severe PN were administered oral baricitinib at a dosage of 4 mg/day for 12 weeks. The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of baricitinib in PN patients using the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pruritus, NRS sleep score, a 5-point investigator’s global assessment (IGA) scale, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and nodular lesion count at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12. In addition, the NRS pruritus and sleep scores were assessed via phone on days 2 and 4 after baricitinib treatment. Results. Baricitinib treatment led to a statistically significant improvement in the mean NRS pruritus and sleep scores, evident as early as day 2 (57.7% change from baseline; P&lt;0.001, and 34.7% change from baseline, P=0.029, respectively) and consistently declining thereafter. Evaluation of nodular lesions revealed a significant reduction starting from week 2 (mean difference of 37.08 from baseline; P&lt;0.001). Analysis of other endpoints, including mean DLQI and IGA scores, also demonstrated substantial improvement at all time points (week 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12) compared to baseline. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitation of a small sample size. This constraint warrants consideration when interpreting the results and generalizing the findings. Conclusion. This preliminary study underscores baricitinib’s potential for PN treatment by providing a rapid clinical response. The larger and longer randomized controlled trials are essential to determine the effectiveness, longevity, and safety of baricitinib in managing PN. This trial is registered with TCTR20230227002.

Abrocitinib may improve itch and quality of life in patients with itch‐dominant atopic dermatitis

AbstractBackgroundPatients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibit heterogeneous clinical phenotypes, reflecting different combinations of itch and lesional severity. AD with severe itch but clear‐moderate lesions, also known as itch‐dominant AD, is a common clinical phenotype.ObjectivesTo evaluate abrocitinib efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD who have itch‐dominant AD.MethodsThis post hoc analysis includes pooled data from clinical trials of patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving abrocitinib (100 or 200 mg) as monotherapy (phase 2b; phase 3 JADE MONO‐1 and JADE MONO‐2) or in combination with topical therapy (phase 3 JADE COMPARE). Data from the ongoing long‐term JADE EXTEND trial (data cutoff April 2020) were also evaluated. Itch‐dominant AD was defined as baseline Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP‐NRS) score of 7−10 and Investigator's Global Assessment of 0−3 or Eczema Area and Severity Index of 0‒21. Assessments included a ≥4‐point improvement in PP‐NRS (PP‐NRS4), PP‐NRS score of 0 (no itch) or 1 (little itch) in patients with PP‐NRS score ≥2 at baseline, ≥4‐point improvement from baseline in Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM‐4), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) of clear or almost clear, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1 (no impact or little impact of AD on quality of life [QoL]).ResultsIn the pooled monotherapy trials, 37% of patients had itch‐dominant AD at baseline. As early as Week 2, more patients with itch‐dominant AD achieved PP‐NRS4 with abrocitinib 100 mg (35%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (57%) versus placebo (7%); 6% and 22% versus 0%, respectively, achieved PP‐NRS 0/1. More patients achieved a PtGA of clear/almost clear at Week 12 with abrocitinib 100 mg (28%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (45%) than placebo (9%). Additionally, abrocitinib led to clinically meaningful improvements in POEM and DLQI. Most patients with itch‐dominant AD experienced itch improvement over time with abrocitinib monotherapy or with concomitant topical therapy; 86%–87% and 62%–67% of patients had no itch‐moderate itch and clear‐moderate lesions by weeks 24 and 48, respectively.ConclusionsAbrocitinib is highly efficacious in patients with itch‐dominant AD, demonstrating rapid, deep, and sustained improvements in itch and clinically meaningful improvements in patients' QoL.Trial Registration NumbersNCT02780167; NCT03349060; NCT03575871; NCT03720470; NCT03422822.

Assessment of quality of life in patients with female pattern hair loss in a tertiary care hospital in India

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Although it is a mild dermatological disorder, psychologists and dermatologists have observed that even clinically imperceptible hair loss is capable of damaging the quality of life (QoL) of patients due to the loss of self-image and diminished self-esteem. Methods: After obtaining consent from patients 66 females filling in inclusion criteria were selected for study. Data was collected from OPD case papers once and a fifteen-minute interview regarding the illness and symptoms was conducted as per the questionnaires (Hairdex, VAS, DLQI) to evaluate the QoL. Results: The QoL subscales results showed the younger age group (≤30 years) was more affected in all Hairdex subscales. They fared significantly poorly with higher scores than older patients (&gt;30 years) as far as symptom score and stigmatization were concerned (p&lt;0.05). Even DLQI scores was highest in patients less than 20 years of age. Mean dermatology life quality index (DQLI) score of younger subjects was significantly higher than older subjects (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that there is statistically significant decrease in QoL in patients with FPHL more so in younger patients. Younger patients seem to be more stigmatized, have poor functioning and emotional stability.

Dermatitis Secondary to Exposure to Nickel and Fragrance at Workplace: A Case Report

Allergic contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to chemicals. The skin usually develops type IV sensitivity where the initial sensitization may occur a few days but it may take years to develop in low grade exposure to these allergens. In the present study, the patient sustained the disorder through exposure to nickel sulfate, balsam of Peru and a fragrance mix which was confirmed by conducting a Patch test. The initial patient’s Investigator’s Global Assessment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient-oriented Eczema Measure scores were 3, 9.6, 6 and 14, respectively and improved to 1, 0.6, 1 and 1, respectively after two months of intervention. Good occupational hygiene is vital such as wearing polyvinyl chloride gloves to avoid nickel contact and effective handwashing practices to prevent nickel buildup on the hands. Avoidance of contact of fragrances in cleaning products averts contact dermatitis.

Lebrikizumab monotherapy impacts on quality of life scores through improved itch and sleep interference in two Phase 3 trials

Background Lebrikizumab improved itch, interference of itch on sleep, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), in two Phase 3 trials at 16 weeks compared to placebo. Objectives We assess improvements in itch and sleep interference due to itch and their impact on QoL measurements after treatment. Methods Data were analyzed from ADvocate1 (NCT04146363) and ADvocate2 (NCT04178967) in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. QoL was evaluated using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at Week 16 in patients (>16 years of age) who were itch responders/non-responders (defined as ≥4-point improvement in Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale) or Sleep-Loss Scale responders/non-responders (defined as ≥2-point improvement in itch interference on sleep). Results In ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, significantly greater proportions of itch responders had a clinically meaningful improvement in measures related to QoL (DLQI scores (0/1), ≤5 DLQI total score and ≥4-point DLQI improvement) compared to itch non-responders. In both studies, a significantly greater proportion of Sleep-Loss Scale responders, reported a DLQI score of (0/1), DLQI total score of ≤5 and DLQI improvement of ≥4 points compared to Sleep-Loss Scale non-responders. Conclusions Improvement in itch and sleep interference due to itch is associated with improvement in the QoL of patients after treatment with lebrikizumab for moderate-to-severe AD. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04146363 (ADvocate1) and NCT04178967 (ADvocate2).

Evaluating the Clinical Meaning of Dermatology Life Quality Index Scores Between Different Phenotypes of Atopic Dermatitis in Patients Before and After Biologic Therapy With Dupilumab.

Background and Objective: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disorder resulting in an intense impact on patients quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical meaning of the DLQI scores documented between different phenotypes of AD patients under biologic therapy with Dupilumab. Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 209 patients with AD treated with Dupilumab for 2 years. These patients were categorized into different clinical phenotypes. Severity of the disease was assessed by using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Numerical Scale Rating (NRS) for sleep (NRS sleep), pruritus (NRS pruritus) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and subsequently at 4,12 and 24 months. Results: Our results show that the higher DLQI scores (mean: 18.6, range:9-30) achieved at T0 are associated with a prurigo nodularis AD pattern, while after 24 months (T3) of therapy with Dupilumab, the worst quality of life index results were reported in Flexural and Head-Neck combined clinical phenotypes. Conclusions: Quality of life is probably what matters most as an overall endpoint in AD. Assessing the clinical meaning of DLQI scores across different AD phenotypes could be a further aid when considering decision making factors in patient management.

P170 Ixekizumab significantly improved quality of life and joint pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis, nail disease and distal interphalangeal joint involvement from SPIRIT-H2H

Abstract Background/Aims Among adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the SPIRIT H2H study, 65% had nail psoriasis (PsO) at baseline and of these, 96.2% had simultaneous distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) disease in ≥ 1 digits at baseline. This analysis describes the impact of ixekizumab (IXE) and adalimumab (ADA) on quality of life (QoL), function and joint pain. Methods This post-hoc analysis included patients from SPIRIT-H2H (NCT03151551) treated with either IXE or ADA who had simultaneous nail and DIP involvement (swelling or tenderness) in ≥ 1 digits at baseline. Nail PsO was measured using Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). Joint involvement was measured by tender/swollen joint count scores. Joint pain was measured by patient’s assessment of pain using Visual Analogue Scale (100 mm). QoL measures included Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and Short Form-36 Mental and Physical Component Summary Scores (SF-36 MCS/PCS). Patients were evaluated at baseline and Week 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 52. Joint pain and SF-36 MCS/PCS changes from baseline were analysed using a mixed effects model of repeated measures. Proportions of patients achieving DLQI ≤1 or HAQ-DI change ≥0.35 (minimal clinically important difference) were analysed using logistic regressions. Non-responder imputation and modified baseline observation carried forward methods were used for missing data. Results 354 SPIRIT-H2H patients had a NAPSI total score &amp;gt;0 and DIP involvement in ≥ 1 digits simultaneously at baseline (IXE, N = 186 and ADA, N = 168). Among them, IXE-treated patients had a significant improvement in joint pain at Week 4 and a larger improvement in joint pain over 52 weeks vs ADA-treated patients. In addition, a larger proportion of IXE-treated patients achieved a DLQI score of 0 or 1, and these statistically significant differences were observed as early as Week 4 and sustained at each visit over 52 weeks. IXE-treated patients also experienced statistically significant improvements in SF-36 MCS at Week 4, 12 and 32 compared to ADA-treated patients; numerically greater improvements in favor of IXE were sustained at all other visits. IXE-treated patients showed a larger improvement in SF-36 PCS over 52 weeks vs ADA-treated patients, and these differences reached statistical significance at Week 24 and 32. Similar proportions of patients treated with IXE or ADA showed a clinically important improvement in HAQ-DI. Conclusion In patients with simultaneous nail and DIP involvement in ≥ 1 digit at baseline, IXE treatment resulted in significant improvements across multiple QoL measures, and greater improvements in joint pain compared to ADA treatment. These data may help health care providers make clinical decisions concerning the care of PsA in patients with nail and DIP involvement. Disclosure C. Ritchlin: Consultancies; C. Ritchlin has received consulting fees and/or honoraria and/or grant support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma. A. Kavanaugh: Consultancies; A. Kavanaugh has received consulting fees and/or honoraria from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma. L. Kristensen: Consultancies; L.E. Kristensen has received consulting fees and/or honoraria and/or research support from: Pfizer, AbbVie, Amgen, UCB Pharma, Gilead, Biogen, BMS, MSD, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen. J. Merola: Consultancies; J. F. Merola is a consultant and/or investigator for: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie, Dermavant, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis, Janssen, UCB Pharma, Sanofi-Regeneron, Sun Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer. B. Strober: Corporate appointments; B. Strober has been serving as an Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis; and serving as scientific co-director and investigator for CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry. Consultancies; B. Strober has served as a speaker for and/or has received consulting fees and/or honoraria from: AbbVie, Alamar, Alumis, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Arena, Aristea, Asana, Boehringer Ingelheim. Shareholder/stock ownership; reports having stock options in Connect Biopharma, Mindera Health. Honoraria; He is also a consultant for Immunic Therapeutics, Kangpu Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Connect Biopharma, Dermavant, Evelo Biosciences, Incyte, Janssen, Leo, Eli Lilly and Company, Maruho. Grants/research support; He is also a consultant for Meiji Seika Pharma, Mindera Health, Protagonist, Nimbus, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Sun Pharma, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Union Therapeutics, Ventyxbio, vTv Therapeutic. J. Lisse: Consultancies; J. Lisse is employee and stockholder of Eli Lilly and Company. R. Bolce: Shareholder/stock ownership; R. Bolce is employee and stockholder of Eli Lilly and Company. C. Sapin: Shareholder/stock ownership; C. Sapin is employee and stockholder of Eli Lilly and Company. J. Pustizzi: Shareholder/stock ownership; J. Pustizzi is employee and stockholder of Eli Lilly and Company. D. McGonagle: Consultancies; D. McGonagle has received consulting fees and/or honoraria and/or research grants from: AbbVie and Eli Lilly and Company. Grants/research support; His funding sources include or have included the Wellcome Trust-EPSRC, UK NIHR, ARUK, MRC UK and EU FP7 programme.

Effectiveness, safety and impact of guselkumab on sexuality and perceived stigmatization in patients with psoriasis in routine clinical practice: Week 28 results from the prospective German multicentre G-EPOSS study.

G-EPOSS is a prospective, non-interventional, German multicentre study of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis receiving guselkumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-23, in a real-world setting. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab, including its impact on skin, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sexuality, and perceived stigmatization. Patients (≥18 years old) received guselkumab per routine clinical practice. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≤ 3 at Week (W)28. Secondary endpoint assessments over 28 weeks included the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), anogenital Physician's Global Assessment (aPGA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Sexuality and perceived stigmatization were assessed by patients using the Relationship and Sexuality Scale (RSS) and Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ), respectively. Overall, 293 patients were included in the evaluable set population. Mean age and disease duration were 45.6 and 17.6 years, respectively. At baseline, mean PASI, aPGA and DLQI scores were 15.3, 2.7 and 11.3, respectively. In total, 25.9% of patients had received a prior biologic. Overall, 83.0% of patients achieved PASI ≤ 3, and 56.2%/35.1% achieved PASI ≤ 1/PASI = 0, respectively, at W28. Among those with NAPSI ≥ 1 and aPGA ≥ 1 at baseline, NAPSI = 0 and aPGA = 0 were achieved by 39.2% and 61.1% of patients, respectively, and 61.4% of patients achieved DLQI 0-1 at W28. Improvements were observed over 28 weeks across individual items of the DLQI, RSS and PSQ, indicating improved HRQoL and sex life, and decreased perceived stigmatization. Based on DLQI Question (Q)9, 53.6% of patients experienced sexual difficulties at baseline, which decreased to 12.1% at W28. DLQI Q9 responses were consistent with RSS item responses, highlighting DLQI Q9 as a sentinel for sexual impairment. Guselkumab improved overall skin symptoms and HRQoL in patients with psoriasis and decreased sexual impairment and perceived stigmatization. No new safety signals were observed. CNTO1959PSO4008.

Guselkumab for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris and Dysregulation of IL-23/IL-17 and NFkB Signaling: A Nonrandomized Trial.

There is no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), and it is common for patients to fail to experience improvement with several systemic options. Involvement of interleukin (IL) 23 suggests a potential therapeutic target. To determine whether guselkumab, an IL-23p19 inhibitor, provides clinical improvement for participants with PRP and better understand gene and protein dysregulation in PRP. This single-arm, investigator-initiated nonrandomized trial was conducted from October 2019 to August 2022 at a single-center academic university with participants from 8 states in the US. In total, 14 adults with moderate to severe PRP were enrolled; 12 completed the trial. Age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls provided skin and blood for proteomic and transcriptomic studies. The primary outcome was observed at 24 weeks, and additional follow-up occurred at 36 weeks. Guselkumab is a fully human immunoglobulin G1 λ monoclonal antibody that selectively binds and inhibits the p19 subunit of IL-23. Subcutaneous injections were given at the US Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing schedule for psoriasis over a 24-week period. The primary outcome was the mean change in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score at week 24. Secondary outcomes included pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index score, clinical response at week 36, and association with transcriptomics and proteomics expression. A per-protocol analysis was performed for the cohort of 4 female and 8 male patients who had a mean (SD) age of 56.5 (18.7) years. The mean improvement in PASI score, pruritus, and Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 61.8% (P < .001), 62.3% (P = .001), and 60.2% (P < .001), respectively. Nine participants (75%) achieved a 50% improvement in PASI. Among these clinical responders, at week 36, 8 of 9 achieved PASI75, and 6 of 9 achieved PASI90. No participants had pathogenic CARD14 gene variations. There was 1 serious adverse event that was not associated with the study drug. Proteomics and gene expression profiles identified dysregulation of a predominance of inflammatory pathways (such as T helper 17 and nuclear factor κ B) in participants with PRP who later responded well to treatment with guselkumab and stronger dysregulation of keratinocyte development pathways in individuals who did not respond to guselkumab. The results of this nonrandomized trial suggest that guselkumab has efficacy in treating refractory moderate to severe adult PRP. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03975153.

Demographic and Clinical Features and Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-sectional Study.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with well-known adverse effects on quality of life (QoL). Improving patients' QoL has become an important objective of treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics and factors affecting the QoL of patients with HS. One hundred seventy-six patients with HS aged between 18 and 65 years were included in the study. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities were recorded. The disease stage was determined based on the Hurley staging system. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate QoL. Mean DLQI scores were significantly higher in patients with advanced Hurley stages, lesions in the gluteal region and legs, and with more than 2 affected areas (p < .001). Correlations between patient-reported treatment outcomes and clinical characteristics of the patients were assessed. Findings of this study indicate the existence of a potential "window of opportunity" for laser epilation and wide local surgical excision, similar to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Timely and appropriate treatment can only be provided for patients with HS by evaluating objective disease severity measures and subjective patient data in combination.

Does chronic urticaria affect quality of sleep and quality of life?

Urticaria affects a wide range of daily activities and social relationships. It has a severe impact on quality of life (QOL) and causes psychological problems. was to assess the impact of chronic urticaria (CU) on quality of sleep, the levels of depression, anxiety, QOL and their interaction with each other and their relation to disease related factors. The study included 25 patients with CU and 25 healthy controls. Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) was used for objective evaluation of the intensity of urticaria. Patients completed a 10-cm visual analogue score (VAS) indicating the overall severity of their itching over the previous 2 weeks. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate patients' QOL. Patients were also assessed for anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for evaluation of sleep quality and sleep disturbances. In our CU patients the mean of UAS7 score was 39.72 ± 2.76 and the mean of VAS score was 28 ± 1.34. The mean of DLQI score was 24.8 ± 4.37 indicating severe impact of QOL. CU patients had higher total HADS score when compared to controls; 72% of the patients had depression and 92% had anxiety. By using PSQI, CU patients had significantly longer sleep latency onset, shorter total sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency and higher PSQI scores compared to controls. CU highly affects the QOL of patients and is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality.

A determination of the quality of life of patients with vitiligo using the dermatological life quality index

Background/aims: Vitiligo is a severe skin disease that significantly affects individuals’ quality of life due to striking color changes in external appearance, and one that causes the majority of patients to feel stigmatized. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitiligo on patients’ psychological and social lives and to elucidate how they perceive the disease. Methods: The research was conducted as an epidemiological study. The Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) was applied to patients with vitiligo presenting to our clinic and to a control group. Results: Fifty patients with vitiligo and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled. The vitiligo group consisted of 26 (52%) women and 24 (48%) men, and the healthy control group of 24 (48%) women and 26 (52%) men. The patients’ mean age was 37.2 ± 13.1 years, and that of the healthy controls 34.7 ± 9.2 years. (p=0.2). No significant age or sex differences were observed between the patient and control groups (p=0.2 and p&amp;lt;0.05, respectively). The mean duration of the disease was 83.9 ± 72.9 months. The most common vitiligo subtype was focal vitiligo, at 52%. The vitiligo and control groups’ mean DLQI scores were 5.5 ± 5.0 and 1.4 ± 1.3, respectively, the difference being statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the quality of life of the patients with vitiligo was significantly impaired compared to the control group.

Effectiveness of Ixekizumab in Chinese Patients with Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis with Special Area Involvement: Subanalysis of a Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Real-World Study.

Ixekizumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-17A, demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis in a Chinese real-world study that was consistent with previous randomized controlled trials. Here, we report further analyses from this study to explore the effectiveness of ixekizumab for treating patients with psoriasis and the involvement of special body areas (scalp, nail, joint, palmoplantar, or genital areas). A multicenter, prospective, observational, single-arm, post-marketing surveillance study was conducted in patients aged ≥ 18years with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and prescribed with ixekizumab in 26 Chinese hospitals. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were compared between patients with versus without psoriasis in special body areas in the overall study population and across subgroups by body area. In total, 612 patients were included. At baseline, most patients (93.6%) had psoriasis involvement in at least one special body area. Overall, patients with psoriasis in special body areas reported a worse quality of life (QoL) than those without. Patients with versus without psoriasis in special body areas achieved a comparable mean reduction from baseline in PASI score (10.9 vs. 9.2 at week2, and 16.9 vs. 14.7 at week12, respectively) and DLQI score (6.0 vs. 4.4 at week2, and 9.9 vs. 7.5 at week12, respectively); a similar proportion of patients also achieved PASI50 at week2, and PASI75 and PASI90 at week12, and a DLQI (0/1) at weeks2 and 12. Several significantly different results were reported between subgroups, the majority of which favored patients with special body area involvement. Most patients had psoriasis involvement in a special body area which was associated with worse QoL. Ixekizumab is similarly effective in reducing disease severity and improving QoL in patients with plaque psoriasis across different special body areas.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To summarize and analyze the results of published randomized controlled trials of tofacitinib for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis(PsA) and discuss its efficacy and safety. An exhaustive systematic search encompassing PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion were analyzed, organized using Review Manager version 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and STATA 15.0 version (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) software. A total of six articles, covering 1393 patients (844 treated with tofacitinib and 549 with placebo), were included. The foundational characteristics of tofacitinib and placebo group showed similarity, except for age and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, especially in the context of chronic plaque psoriasis. It is noteworthy that we discovered tofacitinib exhibited a significant impact on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI75) response, Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) response, and adverse events (AEs) in cases of chronic plaque psoriasis. Similarly, tofacitinib demonstrated substantial influence on American College of Rheumatology 20/50 (ACR20/50) response, PASI75 response, as well as alterations in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score, Dactylitis Severity Score (DSS), and Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) Score in the context of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant impact of tofacitinib on serious adverse events (SAEs) in chronic plaque psoriasis, as well as on both adverse events (AEs) and SAEs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A comprehensive analysis revealed that tofacitinib has a positive effect on addressing skin and joint symptoms, as well as improving the quality of life for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, the safety of the drug's long-term usage even requires further validation. Key Points • In 6 analyses involving a total of 1393 patients, tofacitinib exhibits positive effect on the treatment of both chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). • Although dose-based subgroup analyses have demonstrated effectiveness. Some studies indicate that the 5-mg dose (twice daily) may not show an effect due to the failure of non-inferiority trials comparing tofacitinib with placebo. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting its effectiveness. On the other hand, the 10-mg dose (BID) has been associated with an increase in adverse events and serious adverse events,and is recommended to be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular or uveitis risk factors. • Tofacitinib has efficacy in comorbid psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer's disease) and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), but patients with comorbid renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or uveitis may need to be moderated or avoided with tofacitinib.

Real-World Assessment of Disease Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Alopecia Areata in a Global Noninterventional Observational Cohort (ADAAGIO)

Background: A range of medications with varying efficacy are used to treat alopecia areata (AA). There remains limited evidence on prevailing treatments, disease characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients with AA in routine practice, particularly for those with extensive hair loss. This study sought to address this evidence gap.&#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective chart review study spanning the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany. Adult and adolescent patients with ≥50% scalp hair loss were included. The study index date was defined as date of de novo or progression to ≥50% scalp hair loss and patients were required to have ≥6 months of postindex follow-up (i.e., index date to last clinic visit); index dates ranged 2015-2019. Analyses were descriptive and reported patient demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, and Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI) score. The primary clinical endpoint was absolute Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and was assessed longitudinally based on post-index visits in which SALT was recorded. Sustained SALT ≤20 was also assessed via Kaplan-Meier methods to evaluate time to achieving SALT ≤20 without subsequent regression within 6 months to SALT &gt;30.&#x0D; Results: A total of 741 patients were included. Median age at AA diagnosis was 27 years and 52.6% were female. Mean (SD) baseline SALT score at index was 63.5 (15.6), with 80.2% having patchy AA and 19.8% having alopecia totalis or universalis. Among patients with DLQI measured at index, mean (SD) DLQI score was 19.2 (7.2) with 84.5% reporting either a large (DLQI 11-20) or extremely large (DLQI 21-30) impact of AA. Topical corticosteroids were the most common treatment observed post-index, with 55.6% receiving ≥1 course with a median cumulative exposure of 4 months. Intralesional corticosteroids (22.5%), systemic immunosuppressants (22.0%), and oral (17.3%) or topical (19.4%) minoxidil were also common. Among patients with SALT measured at 12 months post-index, there was a mean (SD) absolute SALT reduction of -44.6% (37.3%) from baseline. However, at 12 months post-index, most patients (90.1%) failed to achieve SALT ≤20 that was sustained for ≥6 months.&#x0D; Conclusions: Although patients in this study experienced a substantial absolute SALT score reduction, few patients achieved and subsequentially sustained the more clinically meaningful SALT threshold of ≤20. These findings highlight the potential suboptimal effectiveness of the varied treatments applied in this population.

Clinical Efficacy and Patient Reported Impacts of Roflumilast Foam 0.3% in Seborrheic Dermatitis: An Analysis of STRATUM Data for Patients Unresponsive or Intolerant to Topical Corticosteroids

Objective. Roflumilast foam 0.3% has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in a Phase 3 clinical trial of moderate-to-severe seborrheic dermatitis (SD) patients (STRATUM). The aim of this subgroup analysis is to assess the efficacy and patient-reported quality of life (QOL) effects of roflumilast vs vehicle in patients with an inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to topical corticosteroids (TCS).&#x0D; Methods: Patients 9 years or older with at least moderate seborrheic dermatitis (Investigator Global Assessment [IGA] ≥ 3) were randomized 2:1 to roflumilast or vehicle for 8 weeks. Patients reporting a history of inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to topical corticosteroids (TCS) were included in this subgroup analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint was IGA success (Clear or Almost Clear with at least a 2-grade improvement) at Week 8. QOL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for patients aged ≥17 years. QOL endpoints included percentage change from baseline in DLQI score, achievement of a minimal important difference (MID; defined as at least a 4-point reduction in DLQI score), and patients achieving a DLQI score of 0 or 1 by treatment group at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Differences in change from baseline DLQI scores were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The Cochran–Mantel–Haenzel test was used to assess differences in the proportion of patients achieving binary endpoints between treatments.&#x0D; Results: 189 patients (129 roflumilast, 60 vehicle) were included in the subgroup analysis. At Week 8, 78.8% of roflumilast patients achieved IGA success vs. 48.3% of vehicle patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62, 7.36; p&lt;0.001). At each time point, percentage change from baseline in DLQI score was significantly larger for roflumilast-treated patients relative to vehicle (p≤0.001). Treatment with roflumilast significantly increased the odds of achieving an MID in DLQI across all time points (OR: 6.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.97, 12.24; p&lt;0.001) and achieving a DLQI score of 0 or 1 (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.58, 3.81; p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: Roflumilast foam 0.3% provided significant and meaningful efficacy with improved QOL in patients with moderate-to-severe SD who had a prior history of an inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to TCS. Clinical improvement aligned with patient-reported outcomes at all key assessment periods.

Efficacy of Abrocitinib and Dupilumab in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis With Severe Itch at Baseline and in Subgroups by Baseline Thresholds of Severe Itch: A Post Hoc Analysis of the JADE COMPARE and JADE DARE Clinical Trials

Introduction: In phase 3 trials, abrocitinib provided more rapid and greater itch relief than dupilumab in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). We examined the efficacy of abrocitinib versus dupilumab in patients with severe itch at baseline (BL) and in subgroups by BL thresholds of severe itch.Methods: Data were pooled from patients treated with abrocitinib 200 mg or dupilumab 300 mg in JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470) and JADE DARE (NCT04345367). Patients with severe itch at BL (Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP-NRS] ≥7), and subgroups by BL PP-NRS 7-10 were assessed for achievement of ≥4-point improvement in PP-NRS (PP-NRS4) and PP-NRS 0/1 (itch free state). Subgroups were also assessed for achievement of Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) score ≤2 (clear/almost clear AD), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0/1 (no impact on quality of life [QoL]).Results: This analysis comprised 875 patients (abrocitinib, 453; dupilumab, 422) with severe itch at BL. Median (Q1, Q3) BL score for PP-NRS was 8.0 (7.0, 9.0) in the abrocitinib arm and 8.0 (7.0, 9.0) in the dupilumab arm; 22.0 (19.0, 26.0) and 22.0 (19.0, 27.0) for POEM; 16.0 (11.0, 20.5) and 16.0 (11.0, 20.0) for DLQI. In the overall group, PP-NRS4 responses were greater with abrocitinib versus dupilumab as early as week 2 (56% vs 32%) and sustained through week 16 (73% vs 69%). Stringent PP-NRS 0/1 responses were greater with abrocitinib versus dupilumab at weeks 2 (15% vs 3%) and 16 (35% vs 21%). Across patient subgroups by BL PP-NRS 7-10, greater proportions achieved PP-NRS4 and PP-NRS 0/1 with abrocitinib versus dupilumab at weeks 2 and 16. Greater proportions across subgroups achieved POEM ≤2 with abrocitinib compared with dupilumab at week 16 (BL PP-NRS7, 33% vs 10%; BL PP-NRS8, 29% vs 20%; BL PP-NRS9, 39% vs 16%; BL PP-NRS10, 31% vs 23%). In the overall group, greater proportions achieved DLQI 0/1 with abrocitinib versus dupilumab at weeks 2 (19% vs 6%) and 16 (38% vs 27%). Across subgroups, DLQI 0/1 responses with abrocitinib were generally greater than dupilumab at weeks 2 and 16.Conclusions: In patients with moderate-to-severe AD who had severe itch at BL, abrocitinib provided more rapid and complete/near complete itch relief and improved QoL than dupilumab as early as 2 weeks of treatment. These results were consistent across subgroups by various BL thresholds of severe itch.