Psoriasis is a chronic disease, characterized by erythematous scaly lesions,
presented in eight different forms: plaques, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic,
inverse, nail and scalp psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Its development
depends on genetic factors, external stimulus and immune response
alteration.1
Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-12 and 23 may also be involved.
In the worst cases, systemic complications linked to endothelial alterations may
occur. A literature review was conducted for a better understanding of what
roles VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and ICAM-1 (intercellular
adhesion molecule) have, among other cytokines, in systemic capillary leak
syndrome, involved in erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis, the most unstable
forms of the disease.