Impact of Psoriasis on Male Fertility: A Case-Control Study

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a common, chronic, relapsing skin disease, currently considered to be an immune mediated inflammatory disease. Several epidemiological studies have shown that patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, have a higher risk of developing comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease compared to the general population. Aim of the Work to assess gonadal function in psoriatic male patients to know the effect of psoriasis on fertility in these subjects. This evaluation was conducted on a hormonal and seminal background. Patients and Methods This case control study included 40 patients (20 with psoriasis & 20 healthy age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls). They were recruited from the dermatology out-patient clinic of Ain–Shams University Hospitals, during the period from November 2021 till April 2022. The study was approved by Research Ethical Committee of Ain Shams University (FMASU M S 667/2021) and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required for a human research. Results Twenty patients, with a mean age of 30.15 ± 8.04 years, fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in our study. The mean BMI was 25.11 ± 3.02. The mean disease duration was 4 (2.5 – 8) years, and the mean PASI score at the time of enrollment 11.25 (5.1 – 15.8)., and. twenty healthy subjects, matched for age and BMI, were also enrolled as a control group Conclusion The evaluation of seminal fluid analysis and hormone profiles among psoriasis patients showed minor variability. However, it was evident that the levels of sex hormones were different in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls. Serum estradiol & SHBG levels were significantly increased among psoriasis patients relative to control group while, serum testosterone levels were significantly lower among psoriasis patients relative to control patients.