Report Discusses Trends of Psoriasis and Progress of the Global Psoriasis Atlas

Psoriasis has a significant presence, affecting about 125 million people globally, but current estimates are fragmented because of a lack of a global standard. A new report suggested that global data will need a standardized approach of collection and analysis in order for more accurate estimates of psoriasis’ presence.

The scientific report “Global State of Psoriasis Epidemiology: A Workshop Report” discusses the trends of psoriasis epidemiology and the progress of the web-based Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA). It was curated after a workshop by the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) that consisted of global psoriasis experts. The main purpose of the workshop was to assess the current state of psoriasis epidemiology and GPA through a facilitated discussion on the overall health burden of psoriasis on the patient.

Darren Ashcroft, PhD, BPharm, MS, professor at the University of Manchester, emphasized the need for attention of the psoriasis health burden at the patient level. He also expressed the importance of analyzing genetic and environmental factors to determine their associations with cardiovascular disease.

"The data collected by the GPA will demonstrate to healthcare providers and policymakers around the world that psoriasis is not an inconsequential condition," Christopher Griffiths, MD, FRCP, professor at the University of Manchester, corresponding and first author of the report, IPC immediate past-president and GPA director, said in a statement. "The GPA will be a resource that will help improve treatment and patients' access to care worldwide and to recognize psoriasis as a healthcare priority."

The GPA was a main point of emphasis in the report as it was explained to be a long-term initiative that could provide a common standard for assessing the health burden of psoriasis globally. The GPA was established by the International League of Dermatological Societies and the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.

The first phase of the GPA is expected to begin this year and will consist of global psoriasis data. The second phase will establish a standardized method for collecting future data from around the world.

“Ultimately, this resource is expected to drive improvement and equality of healthcare planning for psoriasis globally,” the report concluded.