Pattern of comorbidities in psoriasis patients from western India and the relation between disease severity and systemic comoridities: cross sectional study at a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Various studies have shown association of much physical and psychosocial comorbidity with psoriasis. Aims & Objectives: To note pattern of various comorbidities in psoriasis patients and the association of systemic comorbidities with severity of psoriasis. Materials & methods: Cross sectional study of 200 psoriasis patients was done.Detailed history and examination done. Investigations included complete blood count, CRP, ESR, urine routine and microscopic examination, LFT, RFT, S .calcium, lipid profile, blood sugar estimation, S. protein, TFT, ultrasound abdomen. In case of joint involvement- X-ray of involved joint, Rheumatoid factor and S. uric acid were done. General Health Questionnaire 12 for psychiatric morbidity, CASPAR criteria for psoriatic arthritis, ATP III criteria for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular criteria based on BMI , NCEP for lipid levels, AGA diagnostic criteria for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, were used for calculation. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-Square Test. Results: most common comorbidities noted were:- abdominal obesity (71%), increased BMI (70%), dyslipidemia (40%); hypertension (28%); diabetes mellitus (25%); metabolic syndrome (21.5%); Increased cardiovascular risk (81.5% based on BMI; 71% based on waist circumference) was noted. Significant association between disease severity and increased BMI, psoriatic arthritis, psychiatric comorbidity was noted. Conclusion: Screening of all patients for comorbidities and prompt treatment is necessary to break the vicious cycle of comorbidities worsening psoriasis and vice-versa, as well as for therapeutic implications.