Abstract

Objectives

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease with predominantly skin and joint manifestations. The disease is also associated with lower quality of life, lower work productivity, and higher healthcare costs. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of the disease burden for PsO in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS were searched for publications in English, Spanish, or Portuguese from 2003 to July 2018.

Results

A total of 680 records were retrieved and 13 articles were included. In Latin America, PsO has a negative impact on the physical and mental well-being as shown by substantially lower scores on measures of quality of life (eg, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey) for patients than the general population. Patients with PsO reported higher levels of presenteeism, activity impairment, and work productivity loss. The estimated annual costs per patient with PsO in Colombia were $3497.58 and $2160.92 for the private sector and public scenario, respectively.

Conclusions

Although evidence on the full cost and impact of PsO in Latin America is scarce and further research is needed, the burden in these regions is significant and comparable with that in other parts of the world.