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Published on: March 1, 2024
Risks of glaucoma among individuals with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study
Shu-Hao Li1, Chun-Yu Cheng1,2,3
1Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Patients with psoriasis face a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Long-term psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy further increases this risk, highlighting the need for vigilant eye monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition with known systemic implications.
- Ocular manifestations are increasingly recognized in patients with psoriasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between psoriasis and the subsequent risk of glaucoma.
- To explore the impact of specific psoriasis treatments on glaucoma risk.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale cohort study utilizing the Chang Gung Research Database (2003-2012).
- Matched controls (1:4 ratio) were used for comparison.
- Cox regression analysis estimated hazard ratios for glaucoma.
- Evaluated risks associated with systemic therapies, phototherapy, and topical corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- 6,682 psoriasis patients and 26,728 controls were analyzed.
- Psoriasis patients exhibited a significantly higher incidence rate of glaucoma (aHR 1.405).
- Psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy exceeding 200 sessions correlated with elevated glaucoma risk.
Conclusions:
- Individuals diagnosed with psoriasis demonstrate an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
- Prolonged exposure to PUVA therapy is a significant risk factor for glaucoma in psoriasis patients.
Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disorder with ocular involvement.
Objectives:
To evaluate the risk of glaucoma among patients with psoriasis.
Methods:
Participants in this cohort study were selected based on Chang Gung Research Database from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2012. Follow-up ended on 31 December 2017. The participants in the control group were matched with the psoriasis group by sex, age and index date with a 4 : 1 ratio. The hazard ratios of glaucoma were estimated using Cox regression analysis. We also evaluated the relationship between the risk of glaucoma and systemic therapies as well as phototherapy and topical corticosteroid in patients with psoriasis.
Results:
In total, 6682 patients with psoriasis and 26 728 matched controls were enrolled. The study population was composed mainly of males accounting for 64.2% (21 445/33 410) of the study population. The psoriasis group had higher incidence rates than the control group for glaucoma (adjusted hazard ratio 1.405, 95% confidence interval, 1.051-1.879). Patients with psoriasis receiving psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for > 200 sessions had an increased risk of glaucoma.
Conclusions:
Patients with psoriasis had an increased risk of glaucoma. Long-term PUVA therapy raised the risk of glaucoma in people with psoriasis.
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