Vol. 2, Issue 12, Part L (2016)

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over one year (November 2015 to October 2016) at the Department of Medicine, Oxford Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore. Patients with confirmed stable plaque psoriasis aged >18 years were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included prior cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, malignancy, renal dysfunction, and substance abuse. A total of 180 patients were assessed. Psoriasis severity was quantified using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA) involvement, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Non-invasive cardiovascular evaluations included carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Laboratory parameters such as lipid profile, fasting glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Correlation and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: The mean age was 44.6 ± 10.2 years, with 61.1% male participants. Subclinical atherosclerosis was detected in 43.3% of patients. Endothelial dysfunction (FMD <10%) was noted in 58.9%, and increased PWV was present in 44.4%. Higher PASI scores positively correlated with increased CIMT and negatively with FMD. PASI >12, disease duration >10 years, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated hs-CRP independently predicted subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: Psoriasis severity and systemic inflammation are strong predictors of early cardiovascular dysfunction. Dermatological assessment may serve as an essential tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in psoriasis patients.