Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and its Correlation with Liver Function Test

Abstract

Objective: To determine Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and its association with LFT values in patients of psoriasis.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study, was done on patients visiting the skin OPD of LUMHS Jamshoro/Hyderabad. Diagnosed patients of Psoriasis, aged between 18 and 50 years and both genders were included. A 5cc blood sample was collected from each individual to evaluate the LFT. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores was defined based on the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriasis lesion. All the information was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.81±11.10 years. Out of the total 102 patients, 74.5% were male patients and 25.5% were female. The mean duration of psoriasis was 6.46 ± 4.49 years. Out of all 32.4% had mild psoriasis (PASI < 7), 40.2% had moderate psoriasis (PASI 8-12), and 27.5% had severe psoriasis (PASI > 12). Regarding LFT values, 73.5% had elevated alanine transaminase (ALT), 32.4% had elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), 70.6% had elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 68.6% had elevated bilirubin, and 67.6% had elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). AST and GGT levels rise significantly linked to PASI (p- <0.05). Conversely, for ALP and Bilirubin levels, there is no significant difference across severity of PASI (p- >0.05).

Conclusion: Patients with severe psoriasis exhibit a predisposition to hepatic dysfunction. Study observed abnormalities in liver function tests (LFT) among psoriatic patients, suggesting a potential link to liver disease development.