C. V. G. Allison, S. Sidhu
Introduction: Dermatology day units offer treatments for severe skin disease with the benefit of avoiding inpatient hospital stays whilst offering intensive, time consuming and highly specialised treatments. Dithranol is used in combination with tar and ultraviolet light therapy as part of Ingram’s regime to improve psoriasis clearance and as effective treatment in day units (1). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was developed in 1994 as the first dermatology specific quality of life instrument. DLQI is highly sensitive to improvements in psoriasis symptoms and shows positive correlation with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) (3, 4).
Objectives: This audit examined the association of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) following treatment of psoriasis in the Dermatology Day Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia.
Methods: A retrospective audit of all patients (n = 24) trea- ted with psoriasis in the dermatology day unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between September 2018 and May 2018. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to evaluate statistical significance between DLQI scores on admission and discharge.
Results: The total DLQI score reduced significantly (p = 0.02) from admission to discharge. Statistical signifi- cance was also found in reduction of scores of itch, pain and stinging; embarrassment and social and leisure activi- ties.
Discussion: This audit showed that patients’ quality of life significantly improved following treatment for psoriasis in the Dermatology Day Unit. Pruritus, pain and stinging of the skin decreased significantly in score showing improve- ment in quality of life, symptoms and clearance of psoria- sis. Dermatology day units remain an important treatment method.
References
1. Ingram JT. The approach to psoriasis. Br Med J 1953;2:591–4.
2. Basra MK, Fenech R, Gatt RM, Salek MS, Finlay AY. The Derma- tology Life Quality Index 1994 – 2007: a comprehensive review of validation data and clinical results. Br J Dermatol 2008;159:997–1035.
3. Revicki DA, Willian MK, Menter A, Saurat JH, Harnam N, Kaul M. Relationship between clinical response to therapy and health related quality of life outcomes in patients with severe plaque psoriasis. Dermatology 2008;216:260–270.