Evaluation of lipid profile in young adults (18-50 years) with psoriasis vulgaris in Chennai

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and proliferative skin condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Its typical manifestations include red, scaly, well-defined plaques that often appear on the extensor surfaces of the body and the scalp. The disease can vary significantly in terms of duration, frequency of flare-ups, and affected areas, and it often presents with various morphological variations. My study aims to primarily ascertain the frequency of lipid disturbances in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and their extent of derangement correlated with severity of psoriasis. After obtaining ethical committee clearance, and consent from patients, 130 psoriatic patients were studied. Their lipid profiles were investigated. PASI was assessed against derangements in fasting lipid profiles using statistical analysis ANOVA. Most common age group affected was between 26 to 35 years. 55% males and 45% females were affected. NCEP ATP III guidelines was followed for fasting lipid evaluation. 19% cases had elevated triglycerides levels. 65% had elevated HDL cholesterol levels. 33% cases had elevated serum cholesterol levels.45% cases had elevated LDL, 28% had elevated VLDL. 79% had elevated waist circumference. 3% had increased albumin levels, 45% had increased serum globulin levels, 0.8% had increased albumin globulin ratio, 8% had increased total bilirubin levels, 3% had increased direct bilirubin levels, 7% had increased serum AST, 1.5% had increased serum alkaline phosphatase and 8% had increased Gamma glutamyl transferase. After statistically evaluating PASI with cholesterol levels and waist circumference, PASI and Cholesterol & Waist circumference was statistically significant with P values showing 0.01 and 0.021 respectively. No statistical difference was noted between PASI and Liver function test values. Hence, PASI and cholesterol levels and waist circumference can be taken as an indicator to assess the severity of psoriasis and cardiac involvement by periodically screening the patient .