Evaluation of Endothelial Functions of Psoriasis Patients by Flow Mediated Dilatation Method

Abstract

Aim: Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) is a good sonographic indicator of early atherosclerotic changes which reflects endothelial functions by measuring dilatation of peripheral arteries in response to physical stressors. In this study, we aimed to measure FMD on brachial artery of patients with psoriasis which reflects endothelial dysfunction and compare to that of healthy volunteers. Methods: 30 patients with psoriasis and 31 control subjects matched in terms of age, gender, and demographic characteristics were included to this observational, case-control study. FMD was measured on the nondominant arm of the subjects by using sonographic techniques. Results: The patients and controls were similar in terms of sex, gender, smoking, arterial blood pressure, and body mass index. FMD values, reflecting endothelial functions, were tended to be lower in psoriasis group than healthy controls; however this difference was not statistically significant (7.7 ± 3.1 vs. 8.6 ± 2.8, respectively; p = 0.247). Conclusion: These results support that presence of psoriasis is not a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease development. Prospective, multi-center, large scale studies including control group are needed in order to clarify this issue.

Keywords

• Endothelial
• flow-mediated dilation
• psoriasis