The impact of biologics on the quality of life of psoriasis patients and the economics of psoriasis care

Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2005 Mar;24(1):52-7. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2005.01.004.

Abstract

Psoriasis has a tremendous impact on patients' lives, affecting them physically, psychologically, and socially. Thus, it is not merely a cosmetic concern and often warrants appropriately aggressive treatment. Traditional treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis include phototherapy, oral retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine. Newer biologics combat the immunologic mechanism responsible for psoriasis and, to date, carry a more favorable side effect profile. We examined the impact on quality of life of biologics and assessed their total direct costs to psoriasis patients. Biologic treatments significantly improve the quality of life of psoriasis patients; however, they cost significantly more than traditional therapies. This difference calls for physicians to weigh the costs and benefits of biologic therapies and compare them to those of traditional treatments when considering care for psoriasis patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / economics*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Health Care Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis / economics*
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Quality of Life*

Substances

  • Biological Products