Quality of Life is More Affected in Psoriasis than Vitiligo: A Study of 40 Moroccan Patients

Background: Quality of life (QoL) assessment is becoming crucial in clinical trials, particularly with psoriasis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate QoL by the Moroccan version of the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) among psoriatic patients compared to vitiligo. Methods: This is a prospective study of patients aged 18 or older, who consulted at the dermatology clinic for psoriasis or vitiligo, between June 2012 and October 2012. The DLQI has been used in its Moroccan version validated and published. A high score indicates an impaired QoL. Results: Forty-Psoriatic subjects (12 Male (M), 28 Female (F)) and 28 consultants for vitiligo (5 Male (M), 23 Female (F)) completed the DLQI. The mean duration of psoriasis was 13±13 years. The main clinical type of psoriasis was plaque-type psoriasis in 19 cases (47%) followed by guttate psoriasis in 11 cases (27%). The mean Body Surface Area (BSA) was 19%. Uncovered areas were affected in psoriasis as follows: face 9 cases (22.5%), hand 11 cases (27.5%) and both 3 cases (7%). The mean PASI was 6.3±7. The total mean score of DLQI was 11.15±6.2 for psoriasis and 7.9±4.6 in vitiligo (p=0.017). DLQI high scores in psoriasis were significantly associated with female sex, uncovered areas involvement, disease extent areas (BSA) and low socioeconomic level. Conclusion: This study showed that psoriasis was associated with a great effect on QoL in outpatient subjects. QoL impairment in psoriasis was greater than in vitiligo.