PASI score
Pronunciation: PAH-see score
Also written as: PASI — Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, a standardized scoring system used to assess the severity and extent of psoriasis in clinical practice.
Full Definition
The PASI score is a widely used clinical tool that quantifies psoriasis severity by evaluating erythema, induration, and scaling across four body regions (head/neck, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs), weighted by the percentage of body surface area affected. Scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores indicating more severe disease. In pediatric dermatology, modified PASI scoring may be used to account for differences in body surface area proportions in children versus adults.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out the full form on first use in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's PASI score decreased from 18 to 6 following biologic therapy initiation." — Treatment response assessment
- "PASI scores were recorded at baseline and every 12 weeks during the clinical trial." — Research protocol