Effects of psoriasis under study

The devastating impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis on the lives of sufferers is still not understood by many healthcare professionals and health authorities, a Europe-wide study shows.

Preliminary results of the study suggest a link between psoriasis and suicide caused by sexual difficulties and dissatisfaction with treatment. The full study is expected to be unveiled in May.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects some 5.1 million Europeans. In patients, the process of skin renewal is accelerated tenfold, leading to dead and live cells accumulating on the skin surface, often causing red and flaky patches covered with silvery scales.

The Psoriasis Association Malta is collaborating with another 15 patient associations around the continent to explore patients' perspectives on the impact of psoriasis on their lifestyle, emotional well-being, employment and social conditions.

The Maltese association is still battling so that patients with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis become entitled to free treatment by targeted drugs that have been found beneficial for their condition.

The drugs, biologics, have been used in Europe since 2001 and target the cells that are directly related to causing psoriasis. However, at about Lm5,000 (€11,647) for a year-long course, they are beyond the reach of most patients.

Speaking during a press conference to mark World Psoriasis Day, association spokesman Lucienne Tabone emphasised how important it was that this treatment be made available.

A small step forward was marked this year after the health authorities approved the use of biologics for a couple of patients on a one-off basis.

But Lawrence Scerri, the head of dermatology at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, in Floriana, said there was still no protocol covering psoriatic patients. Only a handful of patients would need to be treated with biologics.

About two per cent of the local population are thought to suffer from psoriasis. Between 10 and 30 per cent of sufferers go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, characterised by joint erosion and skin lesions.

Dr Scerri said the vast majority of cases - up to 70 per cent - can be treated with topical treatments.

Apart from affecting the skin and increasing patients' risk of obesity, diabetes and even cardiovascular disease, psoriasis has a psychological effect on patients. In fact, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention director Charmaine Gauci said some 26 per cent of psoriasis patients say the condition has an effect on their lives.

Research has shown that psoriasis patients have almost the same quality of life reduction as those suffering from cancer, diabetes or depression.

"The pain, embarrassment and sometimes humiliation that a lot of sufferers experience can lead to depression and social isolation," she said.

The association will be holding a half-day seminar to raise awareness about this non-contagious condition. The seminar will be held on Saturday at 9.15 a.m. at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, in St Julians and it is open to the public.

Research programme

A new grant programme has been launched to support research into a greater understanding of psoriasis and related disorders.

The programme coincides with World Psoriasis Day, which was marked on Monday.

Entitled Advances In Psoriasis, the programme offers researchers based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa a total of six grants each worth €100,000. The grants will be awarded for studies in the inflammatory pathogenesis of psoriasis and TNF-related skin disorders.

The programme is made available by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a world leader in the development of innovative and high-tech new medicines. Successful applicants will be selected by an expert panel of independent international leaders in dermatology.

"We are very grateful to Wyeth for creating this programme to improve the scientific understanding of psoriatic conditions. This will support innovative new research in any area of psoriasis and related conditions," Alberto Giannetti, president of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, said.

"This is an excellent opportunity for researchers who require funding for novel projects in this area and they should apply immediately. The judging panel will be looking for new ideas based on sound scientific rationale."

The closing date for applications is February 29, 2008.

www.advancesinpsoriasis.com