The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index Is the Adequate Criterion to Define Severity in Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis

Vol. 210, No. 3, 2005

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Clinical and Laboratory Investigations

The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index Is the Adequate Criterion to Define Severity in Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis
Jochen Schmitt, Gottfried Wozel

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2005;210:194-199 (DOI: 10.1159/000083509)

Key Words

Plaque-type psoriasis
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
Dermatology Life Quality Index

Abstract

Background: Chronic plaque-type psoriasis is a major dermatosis, but a significant question is still unanswered: What defines severity in chronic plaque-type psoriasis? While objective assessments like the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) have frequently been used in clinical trials, quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are currently becoming more and more popular. Objective: This article summarizes the most important objective and subjective measurements of severity in psoriasis. For every dermatologist it is critically important to distinguish between severe psoriasis and psoriasis that severely affects QOL. Even if the PASI also has disadvantages, it is the most adequate instrument available to evaluate severity in plaque-type psoriasis. Result: We provide reasons why PASI >12 defines severe, PASI 7-12 moderate and PASI <7 mild chronic plaque-type psoriasis.

Author Contacts

Dr. Jochen Schmitt
Department of Dermatology
University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden
Fetscherstrasse 74, DE-01307 Dresden (Germany)
Tel. +49 351 4583860, Fax +49 351 4585326, E-Mail jm_schmitt@hotmail.com

Article Information

Received: June 3, 2004
Accepted: October 4, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 32

Medline Abstract (ID 15785046)

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