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Multiple sclerosis is associated with psoriasis. A case-control study
Avi Fellner1, Marina Dano2, Keren Regev3
1Department of Neurology Belinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center (AF), Israel.
Background:
MS and psoriasis are both autoimmune diseases putatively mediated mainly by T cells.
Objective:
We conducted a case control study to investigate whether patients with MS have a high rate of comorbid psoriasis.
Methods:
The cohort consisted of 214 consecutive MS patients and a control group of 192 consecutive patients with headache.
Results:
There was a higher than expected frequency of psoriasis among the MS patients. There was no gender effect and none of the 9 affected MS patients were among the 22 MS patients with primary progressive disease. Six of those 9 patients started interferon-β treatment after being diagnosed with MS, and 4 of them experienced exacerbation of psoriasis during exposure to interferon-β. There was no exacerbation in the co-morbid patients during treatment with other disease-modifying drugs.
Conclusions:
Our observation confirms other reports on an association of MS with autoimmune diseases and supports the hypothesis of autoimmune pathogenesis for MS. The current findings should raise the level of awareness of psoriasis among patients with MS, and of the need to consider a potential exacerbation of psoriasis by interferon-β therapy.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show a higher rate of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease. Interferon-beta therapy may exacerbate psoriasis in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis are autoimmune conditions.
- T cells are believed to be the primary mediators of both diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comorbidity of psoriasis in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the potential association between MS and psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A case control study was conducted.
- The study included 214 patients with MS and 192 control patients with headache.
Main Results:
- A higher frequency of psoriasis was observed in MS patients compared to controls.
- Six out of nine MS patients with psoriasis received interferon-beta treatment, with four experiencing psoriasis exacerbation.
- No psoriasis exacerbation was noted with other disease-modifying drugs.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis of autoimmune pathogenesis in MS and confirm associations with other autoimmune diseases.
- Increased awareness of psoriasis in MS patients is recommended.
- Potential exacerbation of psoriasis by interferon-beta therapy warrants consideration.
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