Patient Profiles and Treatment Patterns in Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Poland

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize patients and treatment patterns for moderate‑to-severe plaque psoriasis in Poland.

METHODS: The analysis utilized data from a cohort of approximately 5,000 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis enrolled in the national from its inception in 2013 to 2023 in Poland. Disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

RESULTS: Enrollment in the program increased steadily, with approximately five times as many patients in 2023 compared with 2013. Patients were treated with up to 11 different biologics. The number of treatment available increased from 2 to 11 over 10 years. Almost all patients were qualified in the program with a confirmed lack of efficiency for standard systemic treatment. Baseline assessments indicated moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis severity by both PASI and BSA criteria, with DLQI scores reflecting substantial impairment in quality of life. Treatment patterns evolved over time. The first-line options were dominated by adalimumab and ustekinumab for the first 5 years, while recent years have shifted towards risankizumab and guselkumab as preferred first-line options, with infliximab least preferred.

CONCLUSIONS: The profiles of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Poland show the disease's significant impact on quality of life. Over time, more patients have been treated with biological agents, reflecting changes in clinical practice and better access to these therapies.