Update on nutrition and psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
It has been established that severe psoriasis may lead to nutrient depletion, especially of protein, folate, and iron. Nutrient loss occurs due to the accelerated loss of nutrients from the hyperproliferation and desquamation of the epidermal layer of skin in psoriasis. We have proposed that nutritional support as a secondary form of therapy may be beneficial in aiding some psoriasis patients return to a state of remission.


METHODS
To determine how frequently nutritional abnormalities occur in hospitalized psoriasis patients, a retrospective analysis was done of the nutritional status of 50 patients admitted for the treatment of psoriasis. Chart records were analyzed and laboratory data were interpreted in consideration of concurrent medical problems. Protein status and anemia were the primary nutritional indicators studied.


RESULTS
We found that of those parameters that may be used as indicators of nutritional status, 18% of the patients had a decreased total protein, 16% of the patients had a decreased serum albumin, 38% had an elevated mean corpuscular volume, and 39% had a decreased hematocrit.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support the concept that wide-spread psoriasis places the patient at risk to develop minor nutritional abnormalities in protein and folate status even when accounting for confounding medications and coexistent diseases.
Prystowsky
J H
JH
Department of Dermatology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY 10032.
Orologa
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A
Taylor
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001798:Blood Proteins; D002118:Calcium