Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis: Is It Related to High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Background: Patients with psoriasis have accompanied by cardiovascular diseases. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a usual marker of inflammation and currently known as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Objective:We aimed to assessthe correlation between hs-CRP as a marker in different stages of cardiovascular diseases and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.Methods:In sixty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls,we evaluated serum level of hs-CRP and mean intima media thickenssof the common carotid artery(MIMT-CCA). Results: The patients with psoriasis had higher level of hs-CRP (median: 2.25 mg/L IQR: 0.98 to 3.80 and range: 0.29 to 11.60) than control group (median: 1.03 mg/L IQR: 0.36 to 2.15 and range: 0.10 to 3.35).In addition, psoriatic patients had higher mean MIMT (0.74±0.19 and 0.54±0.12, respectively and P<.0001) compared to the healthy subjects. The serum level of hs-CRP was significantly correlated with MIMT (P<.0001).Conclusion:Our clinical results indicate that psoriatic patients have a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and serum hs-CRP level may be a useful marker for prediction of future risk of cardiovascular diseases in thease patients.

Keywords:

Psoriasis , High sensitivity C-reactive protein , Subclinical atherosclerosis