Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Psoriasis

Rawipan Uaratanawong MD*

Tikumporn Komkris MD*

Somchai Uaratanawong MD**

* Division of Dermatology,

** Division of Rheumatology,

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, University of Bangkok Metropolis

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients.

Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred and two patients with all types of psoriasis who attended outpatient clinics of medicine and dermatology units of Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital during February to September, 2010 were included in the study. Personal and clinical data about psoriasis and other diseases were collected. Blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, body mass index were measured. Fasting blood was collected for glucose and lipid profile.

Results: From all the participants, 56.9% were male and 43.1% were female. Median age was 50.0 years. The most common type of psoriasis found was chronic plaque-type (74.5%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our psoriatic patients was 52.0%. From univariable analysis, psoriatic patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly older (median age of 51 years vs 43 years) and had later onset of psoriasis (means 43.4 and 34.9 years) compared with those without the syndrome. No difference in gender, height, type of psoriasis, smoking, alcohol drinking, duration, severity and family history of psoriasis were found between the patients with or without metabolic syndrome. However; in multivariable analysis, only age was the significant factor associated with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients was 52.0%. Older age of the patients was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, prevalence