Serum ferritin levels and disease severity in psoriasis: A cross-sectional study

Psoriasis is a chronic, complex, inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients. Research has found excessive accumulation of iron in the skin tissue of psoriasis patients. However, no clinical studies have reported the relationship between serum ferritin (SF) and psoriasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the correlation between SF levels and psoriasis. The study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2023 at the affiliated hospital of Jiujiang University, involving 105 psoriasis patients and 52 controls. Mild and severe disease was defined based on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index. Fasting SF levels were analyzed in blood samples. Compared with the control group, SF levels were significantly elevated in psoriasis patients. In severe psoriasis patients, SF levels were even higher. SF was positively correlated with Psoriasis Area Severity Index, C-reactive protein, and disease duration, with statistically significant differences. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value (area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity) for SF was 216.1 (0.74, 63.98%, 75.00%). High SF levels are associated with the severity of psoriasis. Dysregulation of iron metabolism may play a role in the development of psoriasis. SF levels serve as markers for the severity and duration of psoriasis. By measuring ferritin levels early in the disease process, we can adopt preventive strategies to better manage and improve the survival and quality of life of psoriasis patients.