Economic Burden of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: A Population-based Register Study in Finland

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Health Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe inflammatory skin condition with potentially life-threatening flares.
• Understanding the economic burden of GPP is crucial for resource allocation and patient support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the comprehensive economic burden of GPP in Finland.
• To compare healthcare resource utilization and costs between GPP patients and control groups (general population, psoriasis vulgaris).
• To evaluate the economic impact of GPP flares versus non-flare periods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of national health registers (1996-2019) for GPP patients (ICD-10: L40.1) and matched controls.
• Calculation of direct costs (healthcare utilization, medications) and indirect costs (productivity loss from sick leave, disability, rehabilitation).
• Comparison of costs between GPP patients and controls, and between GPP patients with and without flares.

Main Results:

• GPP patients incurred 3-fold higher annual direct costs (€10,323) than population-based (€3,345) and psoriasis vulgaris (€3,569) controls.
• GPP flares were associated with 2.7-fold higher direct costs and 2.5-fold higher indirect costs compared to non-flare periods.
• Higher hospitalization rates in patients with flares drove the increased direct costs.

Conclusions:

• GPP imposes a substantial economic burden, particularly during flare episodes.
• Work disability significantly contributes to the indirect costs associated with GPP flares.
• This study highlights the need for effective GPP management strategies to mitigate economic impact.