Platelet Count, Mean Platelet Volume, and Red Cell Distribution Width as Markers for Psoriasis Severity

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that is growing in prevalence globally. Routinely available options to assess psoriasis severity and progression are limited. More options are needed to monitor disease progression as therapeutic management is based on disease severity.

This study evaluates the usage of complete blood count components (CBC) including platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) as hematological markers for assessing psoriasis severity.

In this cross-sectional study of 120 patients with psoriasis, disease severity was assessed using the PASI score followed by a blood draw to determine whether correlations existed between each marker and PASI score.

A significant, positive correlation was found between total platelet count and PASI while no such correlation was found in MPV and RDW. When stratifying for age, duration of disease, sex, and body parts involved, we found intriguing relationships and offer potential explanations for their occurrence.

Our findings suggest that hematological parameters MPV, platelet count, and RDW found in the CBC are useful in identifying psoriasis severity to some extent. We foresee the use of RDW, MPV, and platelet count biomarkers as a complement to the PASI score in assessing severity for psoriasis patients, while also as a gauge for likelihood of developing comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(2):156-161. doi:10.36849/JDD.6127.