[Psoriasis: a systemic disease]

Area of Science:

• Immunodermatology
• Systemic Inflammatory Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder primarily affecting the skin, but with significant systemic implications.
• It is associated with a substantial psychological burden and a growing list of comorbidities, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly in severe cases.
• The independent risk factor status of psoriasis for these comorbidities is under scientific investigation, complicated by study biases and confounding factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the pathogenic effects and systemic impact of psoriasis beyond the skin.
• To investigate the potential etiologic role of psoriasis in cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
• To emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing psoriasis patients.

Main Methods:

• Review and interpretation of existing epidemiological data on psoriasis comorbidities.
• Analysis of pathophysiologic concepts linking chronic inflammation in psoriasis to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
• Consideration of confounding factors, study biases, and treatment effects in data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease with potential pathogenic links to cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
• Chronic inflammation in psoriasis may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and the development of metabolic syndrome components.
• Data suggests that effective systemic treatment of psoriasis could potentially prevent associated comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis management requires a multidisciplinary approach, addressing psychological, addictive, and systemic comorbidities.
• Further research is needed to clarify the independent risk posed by psoriasis for its associated conditions.
• Early and adequate systemic treatment of psoriasis may play a role in preventing its systemic complications.