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Published on: June 2, 2014
Evaluation of the relationship between migraine and psoriasis: a case-control study
Mohamad Sarkhani1, Majid Rostami Mogaddam2, Ghasem Fattahzadeh-Ardalani3
1Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Background:
Although several recent studies have attempted to describe the association between psoriasis and migraine, there is little data in this regard.
Objective:
To explore the relationship between migraine and psoriasis.
Methods:
A total of 312 patients with psoriasis and 312 age- and gender-matched controls without psoriasis were recruited in this case-control study. Based on the diagnosis of migraine, they were divided into 4 subgroups: psoriasis with (PM+) and without (PM-) migraine, and control with (CM+) and without migraine (CM-). The subgroups were compared regarding the migraine and psoriasis characteristics.
Results:
The mean (SD) age of patients and controls (139 males, in each group) was 43.2 (13.2) years. Psoriasis patients were significantly more likely to have migraine (OR = 2.789). Migraine with aura was significantly higher in the PM + group than in the CM + group (p = 0.007). The mean PASI score (p = 0.001), frequency of moderate and severe psoriasis (p = 0.048), and frequency of patients with PsA (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in PM + compared to PM-. The risk of migraine substantially increased with increasing psoriasis severity (OR = 2.062, OR = 3.248, and OR = 4.586 for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively), and with the presence of PsA (OR = 2.438 and OR = 12.930 for patients without and with PsA, respectively).
Study Limitations:
Observational nature, not including all confounding factors, not addressing a cause-and-effect relationship.
Conclusions:
In comparison with the non-psoriatic control group, psoriasis patients are predisposed to a significantly higher risk of migraine, particularly migraine with aura, psoriasis patients with more severe disease and those with PsA have a markedly higher risk of having migraine, and the migraine headache index is significantly higher in psoriasis patients.
Insights
Psoriasis patients have a significantly higher risk of developing migraine, especially migraine with aura. Increased psoriasis severity and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) further elevate this risk.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the association between psoriasis and migraine.
- Understanding this comorbidity is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between migraine and psoriasis.
- To compare migraine prevalence in psoriasis patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 312 psoriasis patients and 312 matched controls.
- Patients were categorized into four subgroups based on psoriasis and migraine diagnosis.
- Characteristics of migraine and psoriasis were compared across subgroups.
Main Results:
- Psoriasis patients showed a significantly higher likelihood of having migraine (OR = 2.789).
- Migraine with aura was more prevalent in psoriasis patients with migraine.
- Higher psoriasis severity and the presence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were associated with increased migraine risk.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis patients face a substantially elevated risk of migraine compared to the general population.
- Severe psoriasis and co-existing PsA significantly increase migraine risk.
- The study highlights a strong association between psoriasis and migraine, particularly migraine with aura.
