A prospective noninterventional study to evaluate the psychosocial impact of biological treatment outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in the UK: interim results

ABSTRACT

Patients with psoriasis experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and are at risk of depression and anxiety. Although treatment with biological agents reportedly improves HRQoL, there is limited evidence on the impact of biological treatment failure on HRQoL and other aspects of psychosocial well-being. This study aims to evaluate psychosocial wellbeing outcomes in UK patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who experience biological treatment failure and those with an adequate treatment response. This ongoing multicentre, noninterventional study involves adults (aged >= 18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, currently undergoing treatment with biological therapy within UK practice (target sample 270 patients). Demographic, clinicopathological and treatment data are obtained from medical records. Patient-reported outcome data are collected prospectively via validated and bespoke questionnaires assessing dimensions of psychosocial wellbeing at baseline and at the closest consultation to months 3, 6, 9, 12 (+/- 6 weeks). Here, we describe interim results for patients enrolled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty patients were enrolled between 10 January 2020 and 28 March 2020 [mean (SD) age 52 (14.3) years;70% male]. The Table summarizes the interim scores at baseline and month 3 (where available);two patients experienced treatment failure at month 3. Overall, patients reported high levels of anxiety and depression at baseline. Conversely, other aspects of wellbeing were less affected (e.g. HRQoL), while treatment satisfaction and trust levels in healthcare providers were relatively high. Similar trends were observed at month 3, although sample sizes were insufficient to detect any statistical differences between groups. These interim results provide novel insight into the psychosocial wellbeing of patients at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional data will improve understanding of patients' wellbeing throughout the pandemic, including real-world outcomes of patients experiencing treatment failure. (Table Presented).