Publication:

Clinical and economic burden of psoriasis: a retrospective study of the cost implications among cohorts in Abuja, Nigeria

Background Psoriasis is a common chronic cutaneous inflammatory disorder of the skin which presents as sharply demarcated scaly erythematous papules or plaques. The level of its clinical severity at presentation largely determines the cost implications and economic burden on the patient. The study aimed to determine the direct cost of treating various clinical severity of psoriasis and its economic consequences to our healthcare system.

Methods This is a retrospective study that was conducted between May 2016 and October 2019 at the Dermatology Unit of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. Data was retrieved from patient’s folder into a designed proforma, noting their biodata, clinical level of severity using psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, amount of money spent on drugs, laboratory test, nursing time and consultation fees.

Results Out of 82 psoriasis patients seen during the study period, 66 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. About 51.5% of them had severe psoriasis with a mean PASI score 33.2. The annual cost of treating mild, moderate and severe psoriasis was N198,900.00, N261,633.00 and N323,708.00 respectively. This accounted for 1.77% of the national annual healthcare spending within the years under review.

Conclusions The cost of treating psoriasis and its economic burden is largely determined by the level of its clinical severity.