Cohort Definition Name: “Plaque Psoriasis”
Contributor name: Joel N. Swerdel
Contributor OrcId: 0000-0001-9491-2737
Logic Description: First occurrence of Plaque Psoriasis.
Recommended study application: outcome, indication
Assertion statement: This cohort definition was executed on at least one real person-level observational health data source and resulted in a cohort with at least 1 person.
Submitted cohort definition:
Plaque Psoriasis.txt (2.3 KB)
Target Clinical Description
Overview: Plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
Plaque psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure, which may flaring for a few weeks or months, then subside or go into remission. Treatments and lifestyle changes may help manage the disease.
Presentation: Itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and characterized by well-demarcated, erythematous, scaly silvery skin plaques of the scalp, extensor elbows, knees and gluteal folds. There are several other types of psoriasis, including
- Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
- Guttate psoriasis. This type primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms or legs.
- Inverse psoriasis. This mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
- Pustular psoriasis. This rare form of psoriasis causes clearly defined pus-filled lesions that occur in widespread patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
Assessment: Diagnosis is obvious by clinical examination, with rare need for skin biopsy.
Plan: topical therapy with emollients and corticosteroids, UV light phototherapy. Systemic therapy may involve methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast. Biologics TNS alpha inhibitors (Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab, Certolizumab), IL-17, IL-12/IL-23, and IL-23 pathway inhibitors are options in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Prognosis: Chronic long-term disease that may progress; treatment may result in clearance of plaque psoriasis.