Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis severity as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance predictors

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate psoriasis severity and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR) predictors in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis as well as to evaluate if psoriasis severity and PsA are independent predictors for IR regardless of the MetS presence. Methods. This prospective, observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dermatovenereological Clinic of the University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, and included a total of 105 psoriasis patients divided into three groups: group with mild psoriasis (Psoriasis Area Severity Index ? PASI score < 10), group with moderate to severe psoriasis (PASI ?10), and group with PsA diagnosed on the basis of the CASPAR criteria. Results. Percentage of patients who had MetS was higher in the group with the severe form of psoriasis (p < 0.05) as well as IR (p = 0.05). PsA was also more frequently associated with MetS (p = 0.05) and IR (p < 0.01). In patients without MetS, no association between psoriasis severity and IR was found (p = 1.0), although there was a positive correlation between PASI and index of ?-cells secretory capacity % (HOMA B), which shows tendency for IR development. The association between PsA and presence of IR in patients without MetS was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. MetS and IR prevalence increases in patients with PsA and in patients with the moderate and severe form of chronic plaque psoriasis. Both psoriasis severity and PsA are independent predictors for IR regardless of the MetS presence.