ASSOCIATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME WITH PSORIASIS SEVERITY:A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis with recognized systemic associations, including obesity, hypertension, dysglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be particularly frequent in patients with more extensive or active psoriasis. Aim: To determine the prevalence of MetS among adults with chronic plaque psoriasis and to assess its association with psoriasis severity measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study of 100 adults with chronic plaque psoriasis was done. Demographic and disease variables were recorded, PASI was calculated, and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were assessed. MetS was defined as the presence of at least three modified South Asian National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, t-tests and Spearman correlation; a multivariable logistic regression was also explored. Results: MetS was identified in 50 of 100 patients (50.0%). Severe psoriasis (PASI ≥15) was present in 25 patients, of whom 19 (76.0%) had MetS, compared with 31 (41.3%) among patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Severe psoriasis was associated with higher odds of MetS (OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.61–12.55; χ²=7.68, p=0.0056). Mean PASI was 13.5 ± 7.9 in the MetS group versus 9.4 ± 6.1 in the non-MetS group (p=0.0053). PASI correlated positively with the number of MetS components (Spearman ρ=0.346, p=0.0004). Conclusion: In this cohort, MetS was common among adults with psoriasis and was associated with greater psoriasis severity. Routine cardiometabolic screening should be considered in patients with psoriasis, particularly those with moderate-to-severe disease.