Improved quality of life of patients with generalized pustular psoriasis in Japan: A cross-sectional survey

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare variant of psoriasis with severe clinical symptoms. However, the quality of life (QoL) of the patients is largely unknown. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of Japanese GPP patients using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) to elucidate patients' QoL and how their QoL had changed over the last decade. We analyzed QoL data of 83 patients obtained from 2016 to 2019 (present group) and compared it with that of 105 patients collected in a previous survey conducted between 2003 and 2007 (past group). Although the QoL of the present patients was still largely impaired in comparison with the standard Japanese population, substantial improvement was found in some SF-36v2 subscales including general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health as compared with that of the past group. Advances in treatment may contribute to this QoL improvement.

Automated summary

This study investigated the quality of life of Japanese GPP patients and compared it with data from a decade ago. While the present patients still experienced significant impairment in quality of life compared to the standard Japanese population, there was noticeable improvement in certain areas, possibly due to advancements in treatment.