Examination of Subclinical Neurological Involvement in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Background : The aim of this study is to evaluate cognitive functions of patients with psoriasis in terms of subclinical neurological involvement using p300 method, and to reveal the correlation between the disease duration and severity if any. Methods: 40 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 40 healthy individuals were included in the study. Standard mini mental test and beck depression inventory were applied to the groups. PASI values and DLQI values of psoriasis patients were calculated. P300 measurements of both groups were recorded and assessed in order to evaluate the cognitive functions. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the healthy and psoriasis groups in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.681, p=0.301, p=0.138, p=0.739, respectively). When it was compared in terms of PASI values, there was no statistically significant difference in the patient group in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.211, p=0.422, p=0.106, p=0.305, respectively). When evaluated according to disease duration, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.901, p=0.244, p=0.632, p=0.868, respectively). Conclusion: Cognitive functions in psoriasis patients are not affected by the presence, severity and duration of the disease. As far as we know, the present study is the first study using electrophysiological P300 method in evaluating the cognitive functions in patients with psoriasis.