Communication and Therapy Planning for Patients of Reproductive Age Under Immunomodulatory Treatments for Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis—Survey of the German National Psoriasis Registry PsoBest

TL;DR

This study explores communication between doctors and patients of reproductive age with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis about family planning and treatment options.

Contribution

The study provides real-world evidence on communication gaps and patient needs regarding family planning during immunomodulatory treatments.

Findings

Most patients received no treatment adaptation when expressing a desire to conceive.

Only about half of patients were informed about conception options by their dermatologists.

Patients often sought additional information from the internet and other media.

Abstract

Background/Objective: During the systemic treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in patients of reproductive age, contraindications and therapeutic peculiarities must be taken into account. Doctor–patient communication is crucial for therapy conduct and compliance. Methods: This survey among male and female patients from the German psoriasis registry, PsoBest, aims to provide real-world evidence on communication and patient needs for those of reproductive age (18–55). Result: In total, 404 patients were eligible for the analysis (254 m, 150 f), including 39 patients currently wishing to conceive (20 m, 19 f). Patients with and without the desire to have children received similar systemic therapy. In most cases, treatment was not adapted when patients expressed a desire to have children (85.9% m, 79.5% f). Only 38.3% of men and 49.9% of women had been informed about options for conception during or before systemic therapy, mainly by dermatologists (77.4% m, 84.6% f). The majority of patients retrieved additional information about the wish to conceive and medications from the internet and other media. This survey emphasizes the importance of open communication between patients and physicians regarding family planning and therapy options. Conclusions: Physicians need to broach the topic of family planning, conception and pregnancy with patients and support with evidence-based information to enable comprehensive medical decision making and safe therapy choices.

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