Clinicodemographic and laboratory features of 200 Egyptian psoriatic patients

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a common and complex multifactorial disease, in which both genetic and extrinsic factors contribute to activating an immunological reaction. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, demographic, and laboratory characteristics of Egyptian psoriatic patients in Sohag, Upper Egypt. Patients and methods This study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted on 200 Egyptian psoriatic patients. All the patients were subjected to complete demographic, clinical, and laboratory evaluations. Results Of the 200 Egyptian patients with psoriasis, the mean age was 42.83±17.3 years; 60% were males, 53% were from rural areas, 47% were smokers, 66% were with positive family history, 91% were with gradual onset, 75% were with a progressive course, and 6.99±3.9 months was the mean duration of the diseases. The main associated symptom with psoriasis was itching in 72%. Psoriasis vulgaris was the most common type in 69.5%. Upper limbs were the most commonly affected sites in 78% of the psoriatic patients. Seasonal variation was the most common exacerbating factor in 51.5% of psoriatic patients. Iron-deficiency anemia was detected in 31% of the psoriatic patients. Liver diseases were associated comorbidities with 29.5% of psoriatic patients and hepatitis C virus infection was presented in 4.5% of psoriatic patients. Metabolic syndrome and stress were detected in 36 and 21% of psoriatic patients, respectively. Conclusion The healthcare providers and patients should be aware of the early detection of associated comorbidities with psoriasis to avoid major complications. The recognition of stress and its specific treatment should be considered an integral part of the treatment of psoriatic patients. Screening for hepatitis is important in Egyptian psoriatic patients. Consanguineous marriage should be avoided in patients with a family history of psoriasis.