Comorbid diseases and severity in psoriasis patients at Khartoum Dermatology and Venereology hospital, August-December 2019

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is recognized as a multisystemic disease characterized by systemic inflammation. This study explores the association between psoriasis severity and co-morbid conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, nail psoriasis, and symptoms such as cough and dyspnea, along with psychological factors like social isolation and sleep disturbances. Objectives were to identify co-morbid diseases associated with different severity levels of psoriasis as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores at Khartoum dermatology and venereology teaching hospital (KDVTH) from August to December 2019. Methods: This prospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study enrolled 150 psoriasis patients using a quantitative approach. The PASI score was used to assess disease severity. Results: Among the 150 participants (58.6% male, 41.4% female), the distribution of psoriasis severity was 18.7% severe, 30.6% moderate, and 50.6% mild. Significant co-morbidities were observed in severe cases: hypertension (46.4%), diabetes (28.6%), psoriatic arthritis (39.2%), and nail psoriasis (32.2%). Notably, 25% of patients were on lipid-lowering medications. Social isolation and sleep disturbances were prevalent in 30% of moderate and 57% of severe cases. Conclusions: Severe psoriasis is significantly associated with multiple co-morbidities, which can adversely affect patients' prognosis and quality of life. Addressing these associations may enhance management strategies for psoriasis patients.