Non-communicable diseases comorbidities negatively impact the treatment outcomes among psoriasis patients: a longitudinal study in Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is frequently associated with non-communicable disease (NCD) comorbidities, prompting interest in how these concurrent conditions may influence psoriasis treatment outcomes.

Objectives: To assess NCD prevalence and their influence on psoriasis treatment outcomes.

Methods: From 2022 to 2024, we recruited psoriasis patients in Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital. Data on demographic features, NCD comorbidities and treatment outcomes at week 4 and week 8 were systematically collected through questionnaire, physical examination, and clinical severity assessment (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], body surface area [BSA], physician's global assessment [PGA]).

Results: Among 1116 patients, 48.4% had at least one NCD comorbidity. NCD-free patients exhibited higher PASI₅₀ response rates at both week 4 (46.5 vs. 39.1%) and week 8 (72.2 vs. 70.9%). Log binomial regression revealed that NCDs significantly reduced the likelihood of achieving PASI₅₀ at week 4 (relative risk [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.96), with a similar but non-significant trend at week 8 (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92-1.06).

Conclusion: NCDs negatively impact early treatment outcomes in psoriasis patients. So we propose that dermatologists should integrate systematic NCD management into psoriasis treatment regimen.