Evaluating the Appropriateness of Existing Health-Related Quality of Life Measures in Lichen Planus

INTRODUCTION

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin disorder that can present in various forms across the body, including lesions on the skin (cutaneous LP [CLP]), scalp (lichen planopilaris [LPP]) and mucosal regions (mucosal LP [MLP]). Several existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were identified for potential use in LP clinical development programs. This study aimed to assess the content validity and psychometric measurement properties of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Scalpdex and Oral Lichen Planus Symptom Severity Measure (OLPSSM) in an LP population.

METHODS

Patients completed the PROs at various time points as part of an international Phase 2 clinical study in adults with MLP (n = 37), LPP (n = 37) and CLP (n = 37). Test-retest reliability, construct validity and sensitivity to change were assessed. In addition, qualitative cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with adults with MLP (n = 20), LPP (n = 19) and CLP (n = 19) in the USA and Germany to examine the PROM content validity.

RESULTS

The DLQI demonstrated adequate reliability and validity, although its ability to detect change was modest and most items were considered not relevant in qualitative interviews. The ESS had good reliability but limited evidence of validity and ability to detect change. Conceptual relevance varied according to the qualitative interview data. The Scalpdex was miscellaneous across domains, but the 'Symptoms' domain performed well overall. Overall, Scalpdex concepts were reported as relevant by most LPP patients interviewed. The OLPSSM demonstrated good psychometric properties and strong evidence of content validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychometric and qualitative findings support the use of the OLPSSM and Scalpdex within specific LP subtypes but cautioned use of the DLQI. Administration of the ESS is not recommended in LP because of its poor psychometric performance. Given these limitations, further validation of non-specific disease measures is needed and/or the development of additional LP-specific PROMs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04300296.

An Open-label, Observational Study Evaluating Desoximetasone Topical Spray 0.25% in Patients with Scalp Psoriasis

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of desoximetasone spray 0.25%, a topical corticosteroid, in the management of scalp and body psoriasis. Design: This was an open-label, observational study. Participants: Twenty adults aged 18 years or older with chronic scalp psoriasis present on at least 30 percent of the scalp surface area and an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale score of scalp disease of at least 2 on a scale of 0 to 4 were included in the study. Measurements: Study spray was applied twice daily for four weeks, followed by 12 weeks of twice-daily application for two consecutive days weekly. Results: At Week 4, the mean Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scale score had decreased 54.8 percent, from moderate disease to almost clear. Body surface area (BSA) had decreased by 51.2 percent, BSA × PGA had decreased by 63 percent, and scalp IGA had decreased by 64.5 percent from moderate to almost clear. Additionally, mean Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) score was 27.3±10.0 at baseline and decreased 82.4 percent to 4.8±5.2 and scalp surface area (SSA) was reduced by 70.7 percent at Week 4. The initial Scalp Index score was a mean of 65.7±15.0 at baseline and was reduced by 44.3 percent and 40.8 percent at Weeks 4 and 16, respectively. The initial response was maintained after a change to twice-weekly, twice-daily dosing, with a 48.4-percent decrease in PGA, a 17.1-percent decrease in BSA, a 31.5-percent decrease in BSA × PGA, a 51.6-percent decrease in scalp IGA, a 63.4 percent decrease in PSSI, and a 42.3-percent decrease in SSA seen at Week 16. Minimal adverse events were experienced by seven subjects. Conclusion: Desoximetasone spray 0.25% produced rapid improvements in PGA, BSA, BSA×PGA, scalp IGA, PSSI, SSA.