Publication:

Association of psoriasis with metabolic disorders and their assessment using epicardial fat thickness, serum lipid profile and homocysteine level

Background Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with worldwide prevalence of 2-4%. It is characterized by sharply demarcated erythematous plaque lesions with silvery white scales. A number of literatures have been published concerning that psoriasis is associated with several cardio-metabolic co-morbidities thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods A prospective observational study was done on patients attending Department of DVL, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur with psoriasis. A total of 150 patients were enrolled for a study period of 1 year from 15th December 2017 to 31st December 2018. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 16.0).

Results According to our study mean basal metabolic index in psoriatic patients was 27.4±3.9. The mean cholesterol was 198±38 mg/dl, mean low density lipoproteins 129.5±34 mg/dl, mean triglycerides 140±75 mg/dl which is towards higher side, mean homocysteine being 19.5±1.5 µmol/l while the normal range is 4-15 µmol/l. Epicardial fat thickness on ultrasonograpghy was found to be 7.4±0.5 mm in psoriatic patient.

Conclusions Psoriasis may elevate the risk of atherosclerosis, particularly cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, from the epidemiological point of view screening of psoriatic patients, particularly those with severe psoriasis should be recommended.