Carotid intima-media thickness in patients with psoriasis with and without metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Patients with psoriasis have an increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors as well as cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine if patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (MS) have a higher frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis compared with those with psoriasis without MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with psoriasis; MS was defined according to ATP III criteria. Demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were obtained. Blood chemistry, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and insulin were measure. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by Mode B ultrasound. RESULTS: 92 patients with psoriasis were included, 67 (72.8%) with MS and 25 (27.2%) without MS. Subjects with psoriasis and MS had significantly higher weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared with subjects without MS. High CIMT was greater in patients with psoriasis and MS than in those without MS. Age and MS were independent predictors of increased CIMT after multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MS is associated with greater inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.