Effects of alefacept on health-related quality of life in patients with psoriasis: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):131-9. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304020-00005.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic plaque psoriasis has a profound impact on patient quality of life (QOL), including adverse psychosocial effects, impaired daily activities, anxiety, and depression.

Objective: To assess health-related QOL in a randomized phase II trial of alefacept (human LFA-3/IgG(1) fusion protein), a selective immunomodulator for psoriasis.

Study design: Multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Methods: 229 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were randomized to alefacept (0.025, 0.075, or 0.150 mg/kg) or placebo by 30-second intravenous bolus once weekly for 12 weeks and followed for 12 additional weeks. Patients completed a general (SF-36) Health Survey) and dermatology-specific (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] and Dermatology Quality Of Life Scales [DQOLS]) QOL surveys at each study visit.

Results: Patients treated with alefacept had significantly greater improvements on dermatology-specific QOL scales compared with patients receiving placebo (p < 0.05). Patients who achieved a >or=50% or a >or=75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reported similar improvement in QOL, which was significantly greater than that of other patients.

Conclusions: The clinical effect of alefacept on psoriasis is associated with an improvement in patients' QOL. Among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, an improvement in PASI of 50% or more is associated with better QOL scores.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alefacept
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / psychology*
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Alefacept