[Health economic aspects of psoriasis therapy. Is inpatient topical treatment of plaque-type psoriasis in this age of biologics still appropriate from both medical and economic viewpoints?].
BACKGROUND
We tried to clarify whether the treatment of plaque psoriasis as an inpatient with dithranol and narrow band UV-B 311 nm is still appropriate and economical when compared to biologics such as efalizumab.


METHODS
In a 15 month period, all patients admitted to the hospital after unsuccessful outpatient treatment of psoriasis were evaluated prospectively according to medical and economical criteria.


RESULTS
PASI-score was reduced by 89% in 74 patients. The direct cost to improve one in-patient by 75% in PASI score (PASI-75) was 4342.27 EUR; the total costs for employed patients were 7441.81 EUR. Direct costs of treatment with efalizumab would come to 15048.89 EUR per patient with PASI-75 in a 12 weeks period.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical inpatient therapy for plaque psoriasis is well tolerated and a less expensive option than biologics in those who fail ambulatory treatment.
Hahn
M
M
Klinik für Dermatologie, Kreiskrankenhaus Rottweil. m.hahn@hautpraxis.com
Schulz
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000875:Anthralin / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001688:Biological Products / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001688:Biological Products; D000875:Anthralin; C472181:efalizumab