A Study of Thyroid Profile in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract

Introduction: With a prevalence of 2% in Europe and North America, psoriasis is a common disease, showing a linear increase of prevalence over time, with prevalence at the age of 18 years comprising around 1%. Associated with several comorbidities, endocrine disturbances play an important role in the pathogenetic mechanisms and progression of psoriasis. Aim: To study the association between thyroid hormone levels and incidence of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Total 135 psoriatic patients (62 males and 73 females) and 111 age and sex matched healthy controls were selected for the study. Thyroid hormone levels such as free T3, free T4 and TSH were evaluated by chemiluminescence assays. Results: Mean age of control group was 47±2 years and the psoriatic group was 48±1.5 years. Incidence of the disease was higher in females compared to males. In males 6 (9.6%) were hypothyroid, 55 (88.7%) euthyroid and 1 (1.6%) was hyperthyroid whereas, in females 7 (9.5%) were hypothyroid, 63 (86.75%) euthyroid and 3 (4.1%) were hyperthyroid Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are common in psoriasis. Several hormones including thyroid hormones and CorticotropinReleasing Hormone (CRH) are involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Evaluation of thyroid hormone levels and initiation of pharmacological intervention at the earliest when required may prevent worsening of the disease and associated comorbidity

Keywords

• autoimmune disease
• inflammation
• thyroid hormones
• thyroid receptors