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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Homocysteine status and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis: a case-control study
A-M Tobin1, R Hughes, E B Hand
1Department of Dermatology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.
Background:
Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative, cutaneous disorder with the potential to lower levels of folate. This may result in raised levels of homocysteine, an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
Objective:
A study was conducted to compare levels of red-cell folate (RCF) and homocysteine in patients with psoriasis and in healthy controls. Levels of homocysteine were also examined in the context of other major cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods:
In total, 20 patients with psoriasis and 20 controls had their RCF, homo-cysteine and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors assessed.
Results:
Patients with psoriasis had a trend towards lower levels of RCF. Significantly raised levels of homocysteine were found in patients with psoriasis compared with controls (P = 0.007). There was no correlation between homocysteine levels, RCF levels or disease activity as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Patients with psoriasis had higher body mass index (P < 0.004) and higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) than controls. This may contribute to the excess cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with psoriasis.
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