Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric patients with psoriasis receiving narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy

Abstract

Background: Although the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with psoriasis have been evaluated in many countries, studies specifically on geriatric patients remain scarce and none have focused on those receiving phototherapy. This study describes the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric patients with psoriasis in Indonesia, specifically those who received narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy. Methods: This retrospective study using data obtained from phototherapy and medical records of psoriasis patients who received phototherapy in 2014–2019 was conducted at the Dermatovenereology Clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital. Results: Among 24 geriatric patients with psoriasis who received NB-UVB phototherapy, the median age of onset was 61 years (range, 36–74 years). Regarding comorbidities, 15 patients (62.5%) had dyslipidemia, 15 patients (62.5%) had hypertension, 11 patients (45.8%) had obesity, 9 patients (37.5%) had periodontitis/gingivitis, 9 patients (37.5%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 6 patients (25.0%) had hyperuricemia. Conclusion: Some comorbidities have been associated with psoriasis, including metabolic syndrome and periodontitis. The data from this study could help physicians in evaluating and making appropriate clinical decisions when managing psoriasis patients in the geriatric population.