The Association between the Components and Features of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective: Psoriasis (Pso) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular involvement. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes a group of classic cardiovascular risk factors with pro-inflammatory condition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the frequency of MetS in Pso patients with and without arthritis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 Pso patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 48 Pso patients without arthritis and 48 age matched controls. The demographic, clinical and laboratory features of the subjects were compared. Disease activity, damage and functional activity were assessed using functional indices. The MetS was diagnosed according to the definitions of the 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The three groups were compared in terms of MetS components frequency. Data analysis was performed in SPSS (version 19) at a significance level of <0.05. Results: The mean ages of the Pso and PsA groups were 42.40±8.8 and 45.00±10.3 years, respectively. Based on the NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria, 21 (43.8%) and 26 (54.2%) Pso patients, 28 (58.3%) and 29 (60.4%) PsA patients, and 12 (25%) and 11 (22.9%) controls were diagnosed with MetS, respectively (P< 0.05). Furthermore, high waist circumference and hypertension were more prevalent in the PsA patients (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of MetS was found to be more prevalent in the Pso and PsA groups compared to the controls. The relationship between MetS and cardiovascular consequences highlights the importance of investigating the role of this condition in the management of patients, especially PsA cases.