Publications

Poster presented at the DKVF Conference, Potsdam, Germany 

The people-centred model of care for psoriasis emphasizes the importance of prioritizing patient’s needs and preferences in clinical decisions, along with physician-rated disease severity. However, patients and physicians often differ on their perceptions of disease severity, which might influence treatment adherence/satisfaction and health outcomes. This study aimed at understanding the extent and direction of patient–physician (dis)agreement on their reports of body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis and exploring which patient-reported outcomes (PROs) might contribute to explain the disagreement.

Acta Derm Venereol. 2022 Jan 31;102:adv00641.

People with visible skin diseases often experience stigmatisation. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an intervention for medical students to counter the stigmatisation of people with skin diseases. A 3-h intervention was developed, including self-experience, education and a patient encounter. Effectiveness regarding outcomes was assessed at 3 time points: before and immediately after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Data from 127 participants were analysed. Regarding all outcomes, significant effects were observed in the intervention group, for
“social distance”, “agreement with negative stereotypes”, “agreement with disease-related misconceptions” and “intended behaviour”. These results should encourage medical faculties to invest in such courses to prevent stigmatisation.

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Jan;36(1):e70-e72

The aim of this study was the development and validation of a composite measuring instrument for the assessment of the extent (surface area affected) and severity of xerosis in clinical practice and research.

22. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung 2022 (oral presentation), Potsdam, Germany 

Poster presented at the DKVF Conference, Potsdam, Germany 

Hautarzt. 2022 Apr 28.

Demografische Veränderungen bewirken einen steilen Anstieg der Anzahl der über 65-Jährigen. Damit verbunden ist die Zunahme der Anzahl pflegebedürftiger, multimorbid Erkrankter. National wie auch international gibt es keine Informationen insbesondere zur Versorgung von Psoriasiserkrankten im Setting Pflegeheim und zur Frage, wie diese durch den Eintritt in ein Pflegeheim beeinflusst wird.

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2022 Jan;10(1):139-145.e1

Chronic venous disease is a frequent vascular condition. International societies have recommended the use of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments in the assessment of patients with vascular diseases. Thus, the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for chronic venous disease, 10-item questionnaire (FLQA-VS-10) was developed. The aim of the present study was to validate the FLQA-VS-10 in a prospective study.

Poster presented at the DKVF Conference, Potsdam, Germany 

Objectives While stress plays a paramount role on the onset/exacerbation of psoriasis, via overactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cutaneous inflammatory response induces, in turn, anxiety/depression symptoms, via body disfigurement and stigmatisation. The intensity of pruritus and anogenital involvement are additional risk factors for psychological comorbidity.Aims were to (1) examine the effects of intensity of pruritus and anogenital psoriasis on disease burden and psychological comorbidity and (2) identify the variables associated with the presence of clinically significant depression, anxiety, and dysmorphic concerns.

Design Cross-sectional study.

Setting Conducted at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).

Participants 107 patients with psoriasis (mean age = 46.3, SD = 14.6 years; 53.3% male): 64 with none/mild pruritus; 43 with moderate/severe pruritus; 31 with anogenital psoriasis; 76 not affected in the anogenital area.

Primary/secondary outcomes measures Disease severity was assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and intensity of pruritus was rated by patients. Patient-reported outcomes included the Dermatology Life Quality Index, ItchyQoL, Patient Benefit Index, Perceived Stigmatisation Questionnaire, and Relationship and Sexuality Scale. Psychological morbidity was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire.

Results Patients with moderate/severe pruritus reported more quality of life impairments, depression, anxiety and dysmorphic concerns, and less treatment benefits than those with none/mild pruritus. Moderate/severe pruritus had a deleterious effect on depression and stigmatisation for patients without anogenital involvement. Less patient benefits were associated with a higher likelihood of clinically significant depression/anxiety.

Conclusion Pruritus induces significant burden and psychological morbidity, particularly for patients without anogenital involvement. However, coping strategies used by patients with anogenital psoriasis might be dysfunctional for overall psychosocial adaptation. Patient-centred healthcare might be the best way to prevent psychological comorbidity.