Systematic Literature Reviews on the Disease Burden of Pediatric Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that substantially impacts the quality of life (QoL) of affected children and their families. Despite numerous literature reviews on psoriasis, data on pediatric populations remain sparse. We aimed to systematically identify and synthesize evidence on the epidemiological, humanistic, and economic burden of pediatric psoriasis, focusing on moderate-to-severe cases.

METHODS

We conducted two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) of studies on pediatric psoriasis: one focusing on the epidemiological and disease burden of psoriasis of any severity, and one focusing on the humanistic and economic burden in moderate-to-severe psoriasis only. Data were collected from multiple databases, supplemented by additional sources.

RESULTS

We identified 56 studies across two SLRs, including interventional studies and observational real-world data from diverse geographic regions. The findings are consistent with the characterization of pediatric psoriasis as a multisystem disease, with higher burden in more severe cases. Prevalence appears to increase with age, and key risk factors are commonly associated with obesity and asthma. Comorbidities span mental health (depression, anxiety), metabolic (obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia), musculoskeletal (psoriatic arthritis), and gastrointestinal (celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) conditions. Disease severity correlates with higher rates of metabolic syndrome, poorer health-related QoL, and increased caregiver burden, including emotional distress and sleep disturbances. Economic data were limited, with no comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses or utility measures identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate limited evidence on the full spectrum of the pediatric psoriasis burden, particularly in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Data are limited on the prevalence of moderate-to-severe cases, as well as healthcare resource utilization and economic impacts in this population, highlighting the need for further research to inform disease management and resource allocation. Emerging therapies may improve the lives of affected children and their caregivers, but further research is needed to fully capture their potential benefits.