TY - JOUR T1 - Burden of Psoriasis in Catalonia: Epidemiology, Associated Comorbidities, Health Care Utilization, and Sick Leave JO - Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas T2 - AU - Puig,L. AU - Ferrándiz,C. AU - Pujol,R.M. AU - Vela,E. AU - Albertí-Casas,C. AU - Comellas,M. AU - Blanch,C. SN - 15782190 M3 - 10.1016/j.adengl.2021.02.011 DO - 10.1016/j.adengl.2021.02.011 UR - https://www.actasdermo.org/en-burden-psoriasis-in-catalonia-epidemiology-articulo-S1578219021000962 AB - Background and objectivesEpidemiologic and disease burden data are essential for disease control and optimal health care resource planning. The aims of this study were to estimate the epidemiologic burden of psoriasis and evaluate associated comorbidities, health care utilization, and sick leave. Material and methodsWe collected data from the 2016 Catalan Health Survey (ESCA), the Catalan Registry of Morbidity and Utilization of Health Care Services (MUSSCAT) (2016), and the database of the Catalan Medical Evaluations Institute (ICAM) (2012–2016). ResultsThe prevalence of psoriasis in Catalonia according to 2016 ESCA data is approximately 1.8%.The MUSSCAT registry data indicate that the incidence has remained stable in recent years. The most common comorbidities associated with psoriasis are hypertension (35%) and diabetes (15%). Forty percent of patients with psoriasis have a moderate to high risk for death or high health resource utilization. Annual use of resources by psoriasis patients is high: they make a mean of 8.7 primary care visits, 2.8 outpatient visits, 0.5 emergency and day hospital visits, 0.2 mental health visits, and use 6.1 medications.Sick leave due to psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis accounted for 0.04% of all cases. ConclusionsThe prevalence of psoriasis in Catalonia is high at 1.8%. The disease burden is also high, both in terms of comorbidities and health care utilization. ER -