In the published studies for biologic treatments for psoriasis, available images account for fewer than one subject per 1,000 participants, a new analysis concludes. More than three-quarters (77%) of studies contain no images at all.
Researchers analyzed 152 different randomized trials published over 20 years, beginning in 2001. These studies reported on 62,871 patients in total. However, the team found that the scientific manuscripts, as well as all available supplementary material, featured a total of only 203 images depicting 60 patients. The results are published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Lead researcher Sam Polesie, Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy – the University of Gothenburg, says that, while studies are generally intended to be read and studied by scientists and prescribers, patients would benefit from the inclusion of images from trial subjects. Compared to the scientific data from a study, imagery is more accessible to more people, he says.
“We hope that this systematic review can serve as an invitation to the pharmaceutical industry and other sponsors, as well as journal editors and authors, to include more images in scientific publications. Including more clinical images with our original manuscripts could better support patient involvement,” Polesie says.