Background: The negative impact of psoriasis on quality of life is well documented. Psoriasis is also associated with impairments in work productivity and daily activities.
Objectives: This study was conducted to prospectively measure the impact of ustekinumab treatment on work productivity and daily activity impairments due to psoriasis, using the Work Productivity and Activity Index: Psoriasis instrument.
Methods: Thirty-two patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received 36 weeks of ustekinumab and were followed every 4 weeks. During each visit, patients were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Work Productivity and Activity Index: Psoriasis instrument.
Results: Thirty-two patients completed the study. There was no change in unemployment rate after treatment. Twenty-two patients who were employed at both baseline and week 36 experienced a significant decrease in total work productivity impairment, presenteeism and a non-significant decrease in absenteeism. All patients demonstrated significant reduction in total activity impairment.
Limitations: This study was limited by the lack of a placebo group and a small sample size.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefits of ustekinumab treatment in terms of reducing psoriasis-related work productivity and activity impairments among patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Keywords: biologic therapy; cost savings; patient-reported outcomes; treatment outcomes.