Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Psoriasis Attending the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome, a constellation of features such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance is of common occurrence in patients with psoriasis. Systemic inflammation is supposed to play a significant role in both conditions. The co-occurrence of metabolic syndrome and psoriasis can result in clinical consequences. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with psoriasis attending the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology in a tertiary care centre. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology from 4 July 2022 to 4 May 2023. The ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: CMC-IRC/078/079-300). Patients aged more than 18 years diagnosed with psoriasis who provided written consent were enrolled in the study. Pregnant female patients and those who did not give informed consent were excluded from the study. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 72 patients with psoriasis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 15 (20.83%) (12.98-28.68, 90% Confidence Interval). Obesity 13 (86.67%) and hypertriglyceridemia 13 (86.67%) were the frequent most individual components of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among psoriatic patients was lower than other studies done in similar settings.