Kjersti Danielsen, Albert Duvetorp, Lars Iversen, Mikkel Østergaard, Oliver Seifert, Kåre Steinar Tveit, Lone Skov
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3017

Optimal clinical management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) Optimal clinical management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires understanding of the impact on patients. The NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and PsA (NORPAPP) aimed to obtain current data on disease prevalence and patient perceptions in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Among 22,050 individuals questioned, the reported prevalence of psoriasis and/or PsA was 9.7% (5.7% physician-diagnosed plus 4.0% self-diagnosed only); prevalence was similar in Sweden (9.4%) and Denmark (9.2%) but significantly higher in Norway (11.9%). Of those reporting a physician’s diagnosis, 74.6% reported psoriasis alone, 10.3% PsA alone and 15.1% both. Patients with PsA perceived their disease to be more severe than those with psoriasis; patients with PsA and psoriasis reported greater disease severity than those with each condition alone. Patient’s perceptions of psoriasis severity correlated weakly (Spearman’s rho 0.42) with clinical severity; both patient perceptions and clinical measures are important in the assessment and management of psoriasis.

The NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriasis arthritis (NORPAPP) collected data on disease prevalence and patient perceptions in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Among 22,050 individuals questioned, the reported prevalence of psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis was 9.7% (5.7% physician-diagnosed plus 4.0% self-diagnosed only). Of patients with a physician’s diagnosis, 74.6% reported psoriasis alone, 10.3% psoriatic arthritis alone and 15.1% both. Patients with psoriatic arthritis perceived their disease to be more severe than those with psoriasis; patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis reported greater disease severity than those with each condition alone. Psoriasis is common and has a large impact on patient’s life.

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