Modifiable lifestyle factors associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is associated with obesity and with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate modifiable lifestyle factors including stress level, physical activity and nutrition, which may be associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis.


METHODS
In total, 65 patients with psoriasis and 52 control subjects from our university dermatology clinic were enrolled in this case-control pilot study. The study questionnaire included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and the Rapid Eating Assessment for patients (REAP). For subjects with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was measured.


RESULTS
Subjects with psoriasis (mean BMI 27.72) displayed a trend towards a higher BMI compared with controls (mean BMI 25.67). Subjects with psoriasis were not found to have an increased prevalence of self-reported metabolic syndrome-associated diseases including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension or stroke compared with controls (P=0.25, P=0.46, P=0.96, P=0.26, and P=0.16, respectively). There was no significant difference in exercise or stress between patients with psoriasis and controls (P=0.06 and P=0.26, respectively). However, compared with controls, subjects with psoriasis (mean REAP score=2.23) did report poorer overall nutrition as assessed by the REAP score (mean=2.38, P<0.01). Among subjects with psoriasis, the factors of stress, smoking and systemic therapy were associated with increased PASI (r=0.13, r=3.47 and r=3.19, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that poor dietary and exercise habits may be factors contributing to obesity and metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. Further studies with larger numbers are needed to confirm these results.
Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. jahdout@gmail.com
J
J
Ahdout
J
J
Kotlerman
D
D
Elashoff
J
J
Kim
M W
MW
Chiu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012907:Smoking; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires