Serum lipid level in Iraqi patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and proliferative dermatosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis may have an increased risk of occlusive vascular disease. High serum lipid level has been suggested in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. In this study, the authors assess the lipid profile in Iraqi patients with psoriasis and compare it with that of nonaffected persons. This study was designed and conducted as a cross-sectional study with 50 cases in the patient group and 50 patients in the control group. It was performed in the department of dermatology at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. The lipid profile, including serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein, were assessed in both groups. The patient and control groups each consisted of 39 men and 11 women. The serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and very LDL levels were significantly higher in psoriatic patients (P < .05) but not for high-density lipoprotein (P >.05). Serum lipid level was found to be significantly higher in Iraqi patients with psoriasis. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment ofhyperlipidemia in psoriasis to prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.