The Effect of Etanercept Treatment on the levels of Albumin and C-reactive Protein and their Ratio in Iraqi Psoriatic Patients

Background: Psoriasis, a common chronic autoimmune dermatological disease, is identified by scaling and inflammation seen in the skin. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Objectives: To examine changes in albumin and C-reactive protein levels and their ratios, and the effect of Etanercept treatment on these indicators in the serum of Iraqi Psoriasis patients compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 100 Psoriatic patients were enrolled in the study and matched with healthy individuals (n=93) attending the Department of Venereology and Dermatology at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from November 2024 to April 2025. The levels of C-reactive protein and albumin, as well as their ratio in these patients, were compared with those of the control group. Furthermore, the effects of the biologic treatment were followed up for these parameters using 30 patients, before receiving any treatment, and after three months of Etanercept treatment. Results: The serum level of albumin showed a highly significant decrease, with a highly significant increase in the concentrations of both serum C-reactive protein and the CRP/albumin ratio in the patient group compared to the control group, respectively. Furthermore, the three-month treatment with Etanercept induced a substantial difference in the albumin levels, and a very notable decrease in both C-reactive protein concentration and CRP/albumin ratio. Conclusion: Psoriasis is a disease that affects the albumin and C-reactive protein levels, as well as their ratio. In the interim, using Etanercept for three months as biotherapy revealed alterations in the measured levels, achieving concentrations nearly similar to those of normal healthy individuals.