MDCalc

Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)

Quantifies severity of psoriasis.

Head/neck

Erythema
Induration/thickness
Desquamation/scaling
Percentage of head/neck affected

Upper limbs

Erythema
Induration/thickness
Desquamation/scaling
Percentage of upper limbs affected

Trunk

Erythema
Induration/thickness
Desquamation/scaling
Percentage of trunk affected

Lower limbs

Erythema
Induration/thickness
Desquamation/scaling
Percentage of lower limbs affected

Result:

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Advice

  • Higher PASI scores indicate more severe psoriasis and therefore likely warrant more aggressive treatment.

  • May be trended over time to assess treatment efficacy.

Management

When measured serially:

  • The term “PASI 75” indicates a 75% reduction (improvement) in PASI, and is generally considered a “good response” to therapy.

  • PASI 50 to 74 is considered partial response, and PASI <50 is considered treatment failure.

  • Patients with PASI 75 can likely continue current management, and those with PASI <50 can be considered for more aggressive treatment such as with biologics.

Critical Actions

  • Consultation with a dermatologist is warranted in patients with psoriasis.

  • PASI assessments become more reliable with experience in scoring.