Cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile in German patients with moderate and severe psoriasis: a case control study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cardiology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Psoriasis patients exhibit elevated risks for cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
• Shared inflammatory pathways and genetic factors contribute to these comorbidities.
• Lifestyle factors also play a role in the increased risk profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between moderate to severe psoriasis and metabolic/cardiovascular comorbidities.
• To compare psoriasis patients with hospitalized controls and healthy individuals.
• To identify specific risk factors and protective elements in psoriasis patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 100 hospitalized psoriasis patients was compared to two control groups (hospitalized controls and industrial cohort).
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed, including cardiovascular risk factors.
• Prevalence of smoking, obesity, diabetes, cholesterol profiles, myocardial infarction, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis patients showed higher rates of smoking, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, pro-atherogenic cholesterol, and myocardial infarction.
• Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in psoriasis patients.
• Elevated CRP and a pro-atherogenic LDL/HDL ratio (>3) were significantly increased in psoriasis patients compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
• Routine screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks is essential for all psoriasis patients.
• Early detection and management can mitigate the long-term health consequences associated with psoriasis.