Survey of Psoriasis Patient Awareness of Metabolic Syndrome Co-Morbidities

Background Psoriasis patients are thought to be at increased risk of having metabolic syndrome. Objective To investigate if psoriasis patients are aware of their condition's association with metabolic syndrome, and whether they have been educated about and screened for metabolic syndrome by their dermatologists. Methods Written surveys distributed to psoriasis patients at a National Psoriasis Foundation fundraising event. Results Of 49 patients who completed the survey, 16 (32.7%), 17 (34.7%), 16 (32.7%), 20 (40.8%), and 16 (32.7%) were aware of the link between psoriasis and diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and myocardial infarction, respectively. Only 4.7% to 32.6% of the respondents reported being educated about the link between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, and 19.6% to 39.1% reported having been screened by their dermatologist for metabolic syndrome components. Limitations Patients may not remember or be aware they are being taught or screened for metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The majority of psoriasis patients in this survey were unaware of the association of psoriasis with metabolic syndrome and reported infrequent teaching and screening by their dermatologists.