Evaluation of Serum Electrolytes among Psoriasis Patients: A Prospective Case-Control Study from Telangana, South India

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune skin disorder. Patients present with symptoms of abnormal patches on the skin, joints and nails, which are dry and itchy. There are many factors responsible for this disease which initiates an inflammatory response leading to abnormal keratinization of the skin. Electrolytes play a significant role in maintaining the cell function and fluid balance both within and surrounding the cell. Any disturbance in the electrolyte balance could cause fluid loss and cell death/damage.Objective: None of the previous research studies have evaluated the role of electrolytes in the management and progression of psoriasis. The present study is aimed to assess the levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) among patients diagnosed with psoriasis.Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted, which included 25 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and equal number of age and sex matched control group without psoriasis. The study was carried out at the Chalmeda Anandrao institute of medical sciences, a tertiary care teaching hospital located at Karimnagar, Telangana, India. Blood samples were collected from all the subjects included in the study and serum electrolyte (sodium and potassium) levels were measured using an indicator electrode of standard potential.Results: The mean levels of serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and the ratio of sodium to potassium among the psoriasis patients and the control subjects. The results demonstrated an increase of electrolyte levels of sodium (151.04 ± 3.79; p<0.0001), sodium to potassium ratio (44.999 ± 5.37; p<0.0001) and a decrease in the levels of potassium (3.352 ± 0.28; p<0.0001) as compared to the controls. Conclusion: There is an evidence of electrolyte imbalance among psoriasis patients. The levels of sodium and sodium to potassium ratio increased and the potassium levels were reduced. Further studies including a larger group of psoriasis patients and a regular follow-up of serum electrolytes may improve the understanding of the role of electrolytes in psoriasis disease and its progression.