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Microscopic Colitis and Risk of Incident Psoriasis: A Nationwide Population-Based Matched Cohort Study
David Bergman1, Bjorn Roelstraete1, Jiangwei Sun1
1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Background:
Microscopic colitis (MC) has been associated with several immune-mediated diseases including psoriasis, but earlier research has been limited to psoriasis occurring before MC. Data from large-scale cohort studies investigating MC and risk of future psoriasis are lacking.
Objective:
To examine the association between MC and psoriasis.
Methods:
In a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study in Sweden from 2007 to 2021, we identified 8404 patients with biopsy-verified MC (diagnosed in 2007-2017), 37,033 matched reference individuals, and 8381 siblings without MC. Information on MC was obtained through the ESPRESSO cohort (a Swedish histopathology database with nationwide coverage). Using Cox regression, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for psoriasis up until 2021.
Results:
During a median follow-up of 9.2 years (interquartile range = 6.7-11.7), 179 MC patients and 440 reference individuals were diagnosed with psoriasis (241.1 vs 131.8 events per 100,000 person-years), corresponding to one extra case of psoriasis in 91 patients with MC over 10 years. After adjustment for the matching variables (birth year, sex, county of residence, and calendar period) and level of education, we computed an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.82 (95% CI = 1.53-2.17). Stratified by sex, estimates were similar and when examining the aHR across different lengths of follow-up, we found significantly elevated estimates up to 10 years after MC diagnosis. Compared to MC-free siblings, the aHR was 1.85 (95% CI = 1.36-2.51).
Conclusion:
Patients with MC are at an almost doubled risk of psoriasis compared to the general population. Clinicians need to consider psoriasis in MC patients with skin lesions.
Insights
Microscopic colitis (MC) patients face nearly double the risk of developing psoriasis. This study highlights the importance of considering psoriasis in MC patients presenting with skin issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Microscopic colitis (MC) is linked to immune-mediated diseases, but research on future psoriasis risk is limited.
- Previous studies focused on psoriasis preceding MC, lacking data on MC's impact on subsequent psoriasis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between microscopic colitis (MC) and the subsequent risk of developing psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study in Sweden (2007-2021) included 8404 MC patients and matched controls.
- Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for psoriasis development.
- Sibling comparison was performed to further validate findings.
Main Results:
- Patients with MC had a significantly increased risk of psoriasis (adjusted HR = 1.82).
- The elevated risk persisted for up to 10 years post-MC diagnosis.
- MC patients showed a nearly doubled risk compared to both the general population and MC-free siblings.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic colitis is associated with a substantially increased risk of developing psoriasis.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for psoriasis in patients diagnosed with MC, especially those with dermatological symptoms.
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