BackgroundCoexistence of obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia is
defined as metabolic syndrome (MBS), which is among the important risk
indicators for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke. Smoking and
alcohol consumption are the other factors which lead to an increase in the
risk of cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, smoking and alcohol
consumption in psoriasis patients and the relationship between disease
severity and these factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 563 patients with chronic plaque-type
psoriasis, all of which completed a questionnaire and underwent a complete
physical examination. Data about MBS components, psoriasis
severity/duration, smoking and alcohol consumption, and cardiovascular
diseases were recorded.ResultsA total of 563 patients with ages ranging from 18 to 78 years were evaluated.
Metabolic syndrome was found in 12.6% of the patients [central obesity
(38.7%), hypertension (14.3%), dyslipidemia (18.6%), diabetes (9.2%)], while
50.3% had smoking, and 3.3% had alcohol consumption. Patients with metabolic
syndrome were older and more likely to have a longer disease duration than
those without metabolic syndrome (p<0.05 for each). The prevalence of
metabolic syndrome was higher in women than in men. Psoriasis was more
severe in patients with central obesity, diabetes and smoking than in those
without (p<0.05 for each).Study LimitationsRetrospective design.ConclusionsOur results indicate that MBS is a risk factor for psoriasis patients with
advanced age. The relationship between disease severity and obesity,
diabetes, and smoking in psoriasis patients indicates that the patients
should be informed about the potential metabolic risks and receive therapies
for behavioral changes besides anti-psoriatic treatment in order to minimize
these risks.