Association Between Psoriasis and Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Dermatology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Psoriasis is linked to cardiovascular disease, but evidence on subclinical atherosclerosis is conflicting.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) are key markers of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating CIMT and FMD in psoriasis patients compared to controls.
• To assess the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and VIP databases up to February 2015.
• Included observational studies comparing CIMT or FMD in age- and sex-matched psoriasis patients and controls.
• Random-effects model used for meta-analysis to calculate weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis of 20 studies revealed significantly thicker CIMT (WMD 0.11 mm) and lower FMD (WMD -2.79%) in psoriasis patients versus controls.
• Subgroup analysis: Psoriatic arthritis showed less impaired FMD and thinner CIMT.
• Age influenced results: Older patients (>45 years) had thicker CIMT, while younger patients (<45 years) showed more pronounced FMD impairment.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis is associated with an elevated risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.
• Monitoring CIMT and FMD may help identify psoriasis patients at higher risk for cardiovascular events.
• Further research into the specific mechanisms linking psoriasis and atherosclerosis is warranted.