Abstract
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have documented an association between psoriasis and subclinical atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of psoriasis on the levels of N-terminal prohormone B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and clarify whether this factor correlates with the evaluations of subclinical atherosclerosis, measured with mean intima-media thickness (MIMT) of the carotid artery. METHODS: Sixty-one psoriatic patients and sixty-one healthy, age and sex-matched volunteers were enrolled. MIMT was assessed via ultrasonography and serum NT-proBNP level were measured by electrochemiluminescence. RESULTS: Both NT-proBNP and MIMT were significantly higher in psoriasis patients. This remained true even after controlling for the effects of age and gender. MIMT was positively correlated with age and serum NT-proBNP level in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, NT-proBNP levels may be used as a predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.