A systematic review of diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in adults and children: evidence from studies with a primary aim to develop or validate diagnostic criteria

摘要

Summary Psoriasis is a disease of the skin and joints. It can cause red, flaky patches of skin on any part of the body and swelling in the joints. Around the world psoriasis is known to occur in up to 8 in 100 adults and 2 in 100 children. The researchers of this review are based in Nottingham and Sheffield in the UK. The purpose of the review was to find all studies that had created diagnostic criteria for psoriasis and collect any results on how well the criteria worked at diagnosing psoriasis. The term diagnostic criteria was used to describe a list of items that, when present together, meant a diagnosis of psoriasis could be made. In order to complete the review the researchers searched online research databases, summarised the findings and checked the quality of the studies. Twentythree studies were found that developed diagnostic criteria. These criteria included genetic and laboratory criteria, criteria using skin imaging techniques, criteria based on microscopic changes seen on skin biopsy, criteria using computerbased algorithms, a questionnairebased criteria and criteria to be used within traditional Chinese medicine. The criteria in these 23 studies mostly performed well at diagnosing psoriasis, but were often testbased and would be used alongside a medical consultation. Testbased criteria often required specific equipment or a skin/blood sample. None of the 23 diagnostic criteria involved looking at the skin in a physical examination, which would best mirror current medical practice and are available for other skin diseases. Such criteria would be useful to health professionals and researchers.