The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH among patients with psoriasis in a tertiary care dermatology and rheumatology clinic.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis has been linked to metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data suggest that the prevalence of NAFLD is increased in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of NAFLD in this patient population.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of both NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Patients between the ages of 18 and 70 years with a diagnosis of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis and followed by either the Dermatology or Rheumatology Division within the Department of Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center were considered for enrollment. Each patient completed a questionnaire, underwent a thorough skin evaluation, and had a right upper quadrant ultrasound and fasting blood work. If the liver enzymes were elevated or fatty liver detected on imaging, percutaneous liver biopsy was recommended.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-nine patients were enrolled and 103 completed all necessary studies. The participants were predominantly middle aged (52.7 ± 12) and overweight or obese (average BMI 30.1 ± 5.9, range: 19.8-52.5 kg/m(2)). 53% (n = 54) were male while 15% (n = 15) of participants identified themselves as being a diabetic. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 47%. The overall prevalence of NASH was 22% in those who underwent biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is very common among our cohort of patients with psoriasis, occurring in roughly 47% of patients. The more progressive form of the disease, NASH, is found in approximately one in five patients. Health care providers should be mindful of this association given the high prevalence of both NAFLD and NASH in this cohort of patients.