Changes in the quality of life of psoriasis patients after treatment with ustekinumab

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic condition that negatively influences a patient's daily life. However, there is limited evidence on the changes in quality of life (QOL) of Korean psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab measured using both dermatologic- and psoriasis-specific responder-based questionnaires. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ustekinumab on the QOL of psoriasis patients. Methods: Seventy psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab were asked to retrospectively complete questionnaires about the effect of ustekinumab on their QOL before and after treatment. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were assessed on the basis of clinical pictures taken at baseline and subsequent visits. The QOL of each patient was assessed on the basis of the dermatology-specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and psoriasis-specific Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI). Results: The total and all-domain scores in the DLQI and PDI decreased after at least four administrations of ustekinumab (p<0.05). Moreover, disease severity was significantly related to poor QOL. Of note, employment status was specifically associated with DLQI scores while age was associated with disease-specific QOL. Conclusion: The QOL significantly improved in Korean psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab, suggesting a positive influence of the treatment on the patients' subjective perceptions. Severe clinical features, unemployment status, and older age may lead to lower QOL.