A study of the use of drugs in patients suffering from psoriasis and their impact on quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of drugs in patients suffering from psoriasis and their effect on quality of life (QOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study carried out in newly diagnosed patient of psoriasis at Department of Pharmacology and Outpatient Department of Skin and Venereal diseases at tertiary care teaching hospital, and patients were divided into three groups: Group A: topical therapy alone, Group B: methotrexate with topical therapy, and Group C: cyclosporine with topical therapy. The efficacy of drug was measured using Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). QOL was measured using Psoriasis Disability Index. Patients were followed up at 1 month and 6 months of treatment. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: A total 126 patients were enrolled, out of which 114 patients completed the study. PASI score was reduced significantly (P < 0.001) in each treatment group and QOL score was significantly (P < 0.001) decrease in Group B and C as compared to baseline at the end of 6 months. A significant (P < 0.001) reduction in PASI score and QOL was observed in patients of Group B and C as compared to Group A. Correlation between efficacy and QOL was not significant in all three treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy (topical + systemic) is more efficacious and associated with significant improvement of QOL as compared to topical therapy alone. Methotrexate and cyclosporine are equally efficacious in treating and improving the QOL in patients suffering from psoriasis.