Abstract
BackgroundThe onset of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been shown to be associated with several immunological conditions such as infections or atopy. The aim of this study was to clarify the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following the diagnosis of psoriasis, an immune-related dermatological disease, by analyzing the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.Method2616 patients aged 20 years or older with newly diagnosed psoriasis during 2004–2008 and 10,464 participants without psoriasis were identified. Both groups were followed up until the diagnoses of CFS were made at the end of 2011.ResultsThe relationship between psoriasis and the subsequent risk of CFS was estimated through Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, with the incidence density rates being 2.27 and 3.58 per 1000 person-years among the non-psoriasis and psoriasis populations, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, with 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.06). In the stratified analysis, the psoriasis group were consistently associated with a higher risk of CFS in male sex (HR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.20) and age group of ≥ 60 years old (HR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.33–4.06). In addition, we discovered that the significantly increased risk of CFS among psoriasis patients is attenuated after they receive phototherapy and/or immunomodulatory drugs.ConclusionsThe data from this population-based retrospective cohort study revealed that psoriasis is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent CFS, which is differentiated by sex and age.
Highlights
The onset of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been shown to be associated with several immuno‐ logical conditions such as infections or atopy
The relationship between psoriasis and the subsequent risk of CFS was estimated through Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, with the incidence density rates being 2.27 and 3.58 per 1000 person-years among the non-psoriasis and psoriasis populations, respectively
The psoriasis group were consistently associated with a higher risk of CFS in male sex (HR = 2.05, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.31–3.20) and age group of ≥ 60 years old (HR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.33–4.06)
Summary
The onset of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been shown to be associated with several immuno‐ logical conditions such as infections or atopy. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by functional impairment, fatigue and accompanying symptoms, with a prevalence of approximately 0.1% to 2.5%, a rough estimate since diagnostics and terminology are still inconsistent. Most patients with autoimmune disease, like systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, complained about the fatigue that correlated to the disease activity. Among these factors, the relationship between CFS and immune reactions has become one of the most intensely studied aspects of this disease.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
