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Author Spotlight: Self-Assessment Protocol for Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Risk of myocardial infarction in psoriasis patients: a retrospective cohort study
Jashin J Wu1, Young M Choi, Judith D Bebchuk
1Department of Dermatology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center , Los Angeles , CA, USA .
Background:
Psoriasis may or may not be associated with a higher risk for myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to assess differences in MI incidence between control, mild psoriasis and severe psoriasis patients.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Southern California members with psoriasis between 1 January 2004 and 30 June 2012, assessing the risk and incidence rates of MI.
Results:
There were 50,865 control patients matched to 10,173 patients with mild psoriasis and 19,205 control patients matched to 3841 patients with severe psoriasis. The MI incidence per 1000 person-years for mild psoriasis controls, mild psoriasis, severe psoriasis controls and severe psoriasis were 4.9, 6.7, 3.7 and 5.1, respectively. Upon multivariable analysis, mild psoriasis patients had a significantly higher risk of MI compared to matched control patients {hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.51]} and severe psoriasis patients had a significantly higher risk of MI compared to matched control patients [HR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.60)].
Conclusion:
Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk for MI compared to control patients.
Insights
Psoriasis patients face an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Both mild and severe psoriasis are linked to a higher incidence of MI compared to individuals without the condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with potential systemic implications.
- The association between psoriasis and myocardial infarction (MI) risk remains under investigation.
- Understanding this link is crucial for comprehensive patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and risk of MI in patients with mild and severe psoriasis.
- To compare MI rates between psoriasis patients and matched control groups.
- To determine if psoriasis severity influences MI risk.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Kaiser Permanente Southern California member data.
- The study included patients diagnosed with psoriasis between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2012.
- MI risk and incidence rates were assessed and compared between psoriasis severity groups and controls.
Main Results:
- The MI incidence per 1000 person-years was higher in mild psoriasis (6.7) and severe psoriasis (5.1) groups compared to their respective controls (4.9 and 3.7).
- Multivariable analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of MI for mild psoriasis patients (HR=1.31) and severe psoriasis patients (HR=1.28) versus controls.
- These findings indicate a statistically significant increased risk of MI across psoriasis severity spectrums.
Conclusions:
- Patients diagnosed with psoriasis exhibit an elevated risk of myocardial infarction.
- The study confirms a significant association between psoriasis and increased MI incidence.
- This highlights the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment in psoriasis management.

