Healthcare resource use of patients with mild-moderate psoriasis on systemic treatments: a UK single-center longitudinal retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) costs in those on conventional systemics for mild-moderate psoriasis are poorly described.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe HRCU, disease severity and health-related quality of life in patients with mild-moderate psoriasis requiring systemic therapy.

Methods: UK single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study including adults with mild-moderate psoriasis (PASI < 10, no historical PASI ≥ 10, no prior biologics) on conventional systemic therapy with 3-year data capture from first PASI recording (2014-2019, pre-COVID). Patients discontinued due to reaching PASI ≥ 10, starting biologics or being lost to follow-up.

Results: The median annual HCRU cost was £1923 (mean £3361), largely driven by visit costs. A total of 50.8% patients achieved a PASI ≤ 2 and 30.6% achieved PASI ≤ 2 and DLQI ≤ 5 during follow-up. The difference between the maximum and minimum PASI for a patient and follow-up time were statistically significant predictors of total costs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Despite high healthcare costs, nearly half of the patients did not achieve clear/nearly clear skin. These data, in the context of reducing costs for biosimilars, may provide a basis to challenge care pathways and access criteria for 'high-cost' treatments.