Effect of psoriasis severity on inflammation parameters: Controlled study

Abstract

Background and Design: Psoriasis is a complex and chronic disease that may be associated with systemic diseases. In this study, our aim was to show the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values with disease severity. Additionally, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) values and inflammation markers was investigated. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 62 non-psoriasis patients were included in the study. Psoriasis severity was calculated using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). The relationship of psoriasis severity with BMI, serum CRP and ESR values were investigated. In addition, psoriasis patient data were compared with control group data. Results: Of the 62 psoriasis patients included in the study, 31 (50%) were female and 31 (50%) were male. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 69 years and the mean age was 41.74±13.96 years. The mean PASI score was determined to be 15.86±8.95. CRP, ESR and BMI values were higher in psoriasis patients than in controls (p<0.05). In addition, CRP and BMI values were significantly increased as psoriasis severity increased (p<0.05). However, there was no relationship between ESR and psoriasis severity (p=0.82). Conclusion: CRP value can be used as an objective parameter for evaluating chronic inflammation in psoriasis patients.