title: Epidemiology of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a Canadian surveyed population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  limited data are available on the epidemiologic features of psoriasis in Canada.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  to investigate the epidemiologic features and burden of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in a Canadian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  an online survey was conducted using a consumer panel. Eligible respondents indicated a diagnosis of psoriasis and plaque-type psoriasis of at least moderate severity. Eligibility was validated according to self-reported body surface area (BSA) involvement, sensitive areas affected, and/or current treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  of the 514 respondents who completed the survey, 62% estimated a BSA involvement of >/= 3% within the past 5 years. Onset of psoriasis occurred earlier in females than in males. Nail involvement was more commonly reported in individuals with psoriatic arthritis compared to those without. Several symptoms were more likely described as "constantly" or "near constantly" experienced by females than by males. Comorbidities commonly reported were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and overweight or obesity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the findings are consistent with a substantial burden attributed to moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a Canadian population.
authors.affiliation: K. Papp Clinical Research, Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, ON. kapapp@probitymedical.com
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Papp
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Valenzuela
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Poulin
authors.forename: Geula
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wasel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001830:Body Surface Area; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult