Clinical Features Affect Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index

Clinical features contribute to inconsistency between the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), according to a recent study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Researchers aimed to identify the factors affecting consistency between PASI and DLQI scores in a retrospective study. In a total of 4125 patients, PASI, DLQI, demographic, and clinical characteristics data were collected.

The results showed that DLQI has a weak correlation with PASI (r=0.37; P<.001); in the DLQI >10 groups, DLQI has almost no correlation with PASI (r=0.16; P<.001). The adjusted model showed that foot involvement (OR=2.109; 95% CI: 1.581-2.815) is the most significant contributor to the inconsistency between PASI and DLQI scores. Female sex, higher income, psoriatic arthritis, family history of psoriasis, and special site involvement are associated with a higher burden of disease, but if the PASI score is lower than 10, psoriasis could be considered mild rather than moderate to severe.

“In general, we should be aware that defining severe psoriasis is fraught,” wrote the study authors. “Our data showed the inconsistency between PASI and DLQI. Existing assessment criteria are not sufficient to measure patient burden,” they added.

Reference
Yang J, Hu K, Li X, et al. Psoriatic foot involvement is the most significant contributor to the inconsistency between PASI and DLQI: a retrospective study from China. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:443-451. doi:10.2147/CCID.S396997