An intrapatient comparison of quality of life in psoriasis in childhood and adulthood

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases can have a great influence on health-related quality of life. Nevertheless, only little research has been carried out on childhood psoriasis. The perception of quality of life by adults with psoriasis of their childhood psoriasis has never been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to (i) investigate retrospectively the influence of psoriasis as experienced in childhood as compared with the current quality of life in adulthood; (ii) assess retrospectively the impact of childhood psoriasis on daily life; and (iii) compare the current quality of life in patients with childhood onset psoriasis (COP) and adult onset psoriasis (AOP). METHODS: A survey was performed among all members of the Dutch Psoriasis Society. Validated questionnaires on quality of life, impact on daily life and clinical severity were used. RESULTS: Questionnaires of 1762 patients were suitable for analysis. Adults with an onset of psoriasis before the age of 18 years retrospectively rate their quality of life during childhood much less as compared with their current quality of life (intrapatient comparison). Influence of psoriasis in childhood particularly had a high degree of limitations on recreational and social activities in 15-30% of patients. Quality of life in adulthood is not determined by age of onset of psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: In childhood, the quality of life is greatly influenced by psoriasis. The social development domain, which is one of the developmental milestones in a child, is particularly impaired. The current quality of life of patients with COP is equal to that of patients with AOP.