الفهرس 
PsoriasisOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Patients with psoriasis might have a tendency to develop
hyperhomocysteinaemia. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have
been linked to increased risk of premature coronary artery disease, stroke,
and thromboembolism.
Objectives: To assess serum homocysteine levels in patients with psoriasis
vulgaris without known risk factors for acquired hyperhomocysteinaemia
in comparison to age and sex matched healthy controls.
Patients and methods: We performed a case-control study in 40 patients
with psoriasis vulgaris and 40 age and sex matched healthy volunteers as
controls. Cases and controls were selected excluding individuals with
conditions or diseases associated with acquired hyperhomocysteinaemia.
The serum levels of homocysteine were measured and were correlated
with history, clinical findings and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
(PASI) score.
Results: Significantly higher serum total homocysteine levels were found
in patients compared to controls (mean ± SD 16.07 ± 5.59 vs. 10.24 ±
4.01µmol L-1; P=0.001). Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with
psoriasis correlated directly with disease duration of psoriasis, family
history of cardiovascular disease, presence of Koëbner phenomenon and
disease severity assessed by PASI score.
Conclusion: Positive family history of cardiovascular diseases, long
duration of psoriasis, presence of Koëbner phenomenon and/or increased
disease severity assessed by PASI score may be considered as indications
for measuring serum total homocysteine levels in psoriatic patients to
early detect and treat modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
and improve morbidity and mortality.