Study of lipid profile for psoriatic patients in AL-Anbar governorate.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which affects approximately 1-3% of the world's population (1). It appears as red plaques covered with silvery scale that flakes away from the skin.Psoriatic plaques are often found on the elbows, scalp and knees but can also affect other parts of the body such as the face, feet and mucous membranes.Psoriasis is not contagious, nor is it caused by an allergy. However, the tendency to develop the condition can be genetically transmitted. Psoriasis causes itching in 60% to 70% of cases (2). However, the exact etiology of psoriasis is unknown. Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been proposed because the abnormalities in lipids lead to abnormalities in skin formation which is made from lipids. To evaluate the serum lipids profile in psoriatic patients of Al-Anbar governorate and to compare the results with other external studies. The study group included 60 patients with psoriasis, and 30 healthy volunteers. Blood lipid profile was determined using commercial kits from reliable French and Spain companies. All patients had psoriasis involving less than 30% of body surface. Their ages ranged from 10 to 60 years with a mean of 32 years. Family history of psoriasis was positive in a percentage of (20%) of the patients. The mean levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein) in patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy individuals. The mean levels of high density lipoprotein were not significant. This study strengthens the relationship between the lipids intake, formation, and metabolism with the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Therefore it is concluded that psoriatic patients should be evaluated for hyperlipidemia and obstructive vascular diseases. Administrating lipid-lowering medicines for patients particularly cases with severe disease may be beneficial prognosis.