Evaluation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and some inflammation markers for atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Although its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors is one of the main causes of mortality, the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular events is controversial. AIM: The aim of this study is to measure the levels of hs-CRP and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) related to atherosclerosis in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis and to evaluate their possible association with disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 45 moderate-severe psoriasis patients without additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and 45 healthy individuals as a control group. RESULTS: Serum PAPP-A levels in both groups were given as two different variables, detectable and non- detectable, based on a value of 0.004 U/lL. When PAPP-A levels were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the PAPP-A test in the evaluation of early-stage atherosclerosis in moderate-severe psoriasis patients who do not have additional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases may not be sufficient.