Endothelial Function and Inflammatory Activity in Patients with Recent Onset of Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is associated with premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular co-morbidity and mor- tality. Objective: To determine endothelial function in severe psoriasis at onset compared to that of matched healthy controls Methods: Using high-resolution ultrasound, we measured the diameter of brachial artery at rest, during reactive hypere- mia, and after sublingual nitroglycerin. We compared twenty adult individuals at psoriasis onset to matched healthy con- trols. Demographic characteristics, lipid profile and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in endothelium-dependent and -independent dilatation between psoriasis patients and control individuals. Patients with psoriasis had significantly higher concentration of high-sensitive C- reactive-protein, reflecting the systemic inflammatory response. Conclusion: This is the first pilot study evaluating endothelial function in individuals with early plaque psoriasis. The study shows that patients with severe psoriasis at onset do not exhibit endothelial dysfunction compared to control indi- viduals.