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The Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) is a short validated questionnaire that is effective and easy to use in clinical practice. It comprises five questions that HCPs should ask psoriasis patients every year.1
Why is PEST important?
BAD and NICE recommend that patients with psoriasis who have not been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) should be actively screened with an annual PEST questionnaire.2,3
PEST scores can be used to identify PsA in psoriasis patients, early on. This can have an effect on their overall outcomes, since the PEST result may affect the choice of biologic selected to manage the patient.2,3
BAD recommends consideration of rheumatology referral for patients with a score of ≥3. Research suggests that an even lower PEST score, of ≥2, may indicate PsA.1
Take a look at how the experts are using PEST in their practices.
You can start using PEST in your practice now
Reproduced PEST with permissions from Professor Helliwell at the University of Leeds
BAD, British Association of Dermatologists; NICE, National institute for Health and Care Excellence.
References
- Mease PJ et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33(5):886-892.
- BAD. Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST). Available from: https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=1655&itemtype=document [Accessed May 2021].
- NICE. Psoriasis: assessment and management. Updated 2017. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg153/resources/psoriasis-assessment-an... [Accessed May 2021].
- Giannelli A. Rheumatol Ther. 2019;6:5-21.
- Mease PJ et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735
- Tucker LJ et al. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2018;20(11):71.
- Reich K et al. Br J Dermatol. 2009;160(5):1040-1047.
- Richette P et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(4):566-571.