Association of psoriasis with metabolic disorders and their assessment using epicardial fat thickness, serum lipid profile and homocysteine level

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with worldwide prevalence of 2-4%. It is characterized by sharply demarcated erythematous plaque lesions with silvery white scales. A number of literatures have been published concerning that psoriasis is associated with several cardio-metabolic co-morbidities thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. Methods: A prospective observational study was done on patients attending Department of DVL, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur with psoriasis. A total of 150 patients were enrolled for a study period of 1 year from 15th December 2017 to 31st December 2018. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 16.0). Results: According to our study mean basal metabolic index in psoriatic patients was 27.4±3.9. The mean cholesterol was 198±38 mg/dl, mean low density lipoproteins 129.5±34 mg/dl, mean triglycerides 140±75 mg/dl which is towards higher side, mean homocysteine being 19.5±1.5 µmol/l while the normal range is 4-15 µmol/l. Epicardial fat thickness on ultrasonograpghy was found to be 7.4±0.5 mm in psoriatic patient. Conclusions: Psoriasis may elevate the risk of atherosclerosis, particularly cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, from the epidemiological point of view screening of psoriatic patients, particularly those with severe psoriasis should be recommended.