Prevalence and patterns of comorbidities in psoriasis: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder marked by red, scaly patches on the skin, often causing itching. Psoriasis manifests in several forms, with plaque psoriasis being the most common. This condition affects the skin, nails, joints, and other systems, leading to significant comorbidities like cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. These comorbidities, seen in two-thirds of patients, highlight the systemic inflammatory nature of psoriasis. Understanding these associations is crucial for dermatologists to provide comprehensive care for affected individuals. The study aims to investigate the comorbidities associated with psoriasis. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, including 120 adult psoriasis patients over one year. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: The most common age group was 41-50 years (30%), and the mean age of 43.63±13.69 years. Males comprised 60% of the population. Disease duration was up to 5 years for 80% of participants. Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (50%), followed by obesity (41.67%), dyslipidemia (33.33%), diabetes mellitus (25%), and metabolic syndrome (16.67%). Chronic plaque psoriasis was most prevalent (66.67%). Severity distribution indicated that 75% had mild/moderate psoriasis. Comparisons revealed no significant differences in comorbidities across psoriasis types or severity groups. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant burden of comorbidities among psoriasis patients, particularly hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions were prevalent regardless of psoriasis type or severity, underscoring the systemic nature of psoriasis and the need for comprehensive patient management.