Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Psoriasis – A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, has been related to a variety of systemic illnesses, including

metabolic problems. However, there are other references in the literature that contradict this relationship. As a

result, this study was carried out to determine the exact nature of the existing link between psoriasis and cases

of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A case control study was conducted among psoriasis cases and non-psoriasis controls in the outpatient

department of Dermatology. A total of 140 people with 70 cases and controls each. Complete clinical history,

examination including blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, and blood investigation was done. The data

was imported into Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 18.

Results

There were 23.6% and 13.6% participants with metabolic syndrome among the cases and controls, respectively

and the cases with psoriasis were 2.4 times at higher odds of having metabolic syndrome. Psoriasis was found to

be significantly associated with waist circumference, lipid levels, and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Metabolic Syndrome is widespread in psoriasis patients, and symptoms such central obesity, low HDL, and high

fasting blood sugar should be investigated further. Because psoriasis is such a common disease with such a high

burden in our general population, the dermatologist has a unique opportunity to serve as a transformative agent

by improving the chances of survival for this group of patients.