Comparison of biophysical variables among psoriatic patients based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) groups
Keywords:
Psoriasis, Body Mass Index, Oxidative Stress, HypertensionAbstract
Introduction: Psoriasis is an immune-related disorder that has also been associated with oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. Disturbances in biophysical variables of psoriasis patients are reported in the literature but their relationship with the disease and its severity has not been established.
Objectives: To assess the gender-wise occurrence of psoriasis and compare the biophysical variables based on PASI Psoriasis groups and with healthy subjects.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional case control study was done on 120 subjects and 40 normal health controls, in the Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, from July 2014 to April 2015. The patients were divided into three groups of Psoriasis: mild, moderate, and severe. Biophysical variables included age, gender, residential area, ethnicity, occupation, weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was done by SPSS 16.
Results: Males were predominantly affected than females. A statistically significant increase was found in BMI of severe group when compared to control group (p=0.008). Moderate psoriasis patients had significant increases in duration of disease (p=0.001) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (p=0.001) compared to mild psoriatic patients. Similarly, severe psoriatic patients had significantly increased mean pulse rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures, compared to moderate (p=0.03), mild (p=0.033) and control (p=0.030) subjects.
Conclusion: Psoriasis was more common in male subjects being positively correlated with age, urban dwelling, and industrial occupation; oxidative stress may partially explain these findings as well as the higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures in these patients.
Keywords: Psoriasis; Body Mass Index; Oxidative Stress; Hypertension.
