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Author Spotlight: Self-Assessment Protocol for Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
[Diagnóstico tardío de psoriasis: motivos y consecuencias]
José Carlos Quiroz-Vergara1,2, Martha Alejandra Morales-Sánchez3, Gonzalo Castillo-Rojas4
1División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
Background:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that may be associated with articular manifestations, and the most common clinical presentation is the variety "in plaques". In Mexico, in the Centro Dermatológico Pascua, it is the eighth leading cause of consultation. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic process of patients in a reference center for diseases of the skin.
Methods:
Performing an analytical cross-sectional study that included 100 patients where the diagnostic process was questioned, clinimetric scales were applied and evaluated anthropometric.
Results:
It was found that 70% of patients had taken over a month to get medical care (median: 3 months; IQR: 11 months), having consulted in 61% to a general physician as a doctor of first contact and 89% being diagnosed by a dermatologist. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were overweight or obese. We found as a factor of delay, a partnership with the variable of having an Institutional Medical Service (p = 0.019; U = 695.5).
Conclusion:
it is necessary to design a system to shorten the diagnostic process, not only in psoriasis, in addition to emphasizing dermatological education.
Insights
Psoriasis patients experienced diagnostic delays, often consulting general physicians first. Improving the diagnostic process and dermatological education is crucial for timely autoimmune skin disease management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Psoriasis, a common autoimmune skin condition, is a significant cause of consultation at dermatology centers in Mexico.
- The 'in plaques' variety is the most frequent clinical presentation of psoriasis.
- Understanding the diagnostic journey is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the diagnostic process for psoriasis patients at a specialized skin disease center.
- To identify factors contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study involving 100 psoriasis patients.
- Evaluation of the diagnostic pathway, application of clinimetric scales, and anthropometric measurements.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with diagnostic delays.
Main Results:
- A significant delay in seeking medical care was observed, with a median of 3 months.
- Most patients initially consulted a general physician (61%) before seeing a dermatologist (89%).
- Overweight or obesity (88%) and having institutional medical services were associated with diagnostic delays.
Conclusions:
- A system to shorten the diagnostic process for psoriasis is necessary.
- Enhanced dermatological education for both patients and primary care physicians is recommended.
- Addressing factors like institutional medical services may expedite diagnosis.
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