Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome is a forerunner for adverse cardiovascular events. Its association with nail psoriasis has not been much explored. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate metabolic syndrome in patients with nail psoriasis as compared to psoriasis patients without nail involvement and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty each adult participants with nail psoriasis (group-I), psoriasis without nail involvement (group-II) and healthy controls (group-III) were recruited. All participants were assessed for metabolic syndrome as per National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Plan-III (NCEP-ATP-III) criteria. Disease severity assessment and serological assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was done. RESULTS: Higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in group-I compared to group-III (33.33 vs. 20%, p = 0.420) with equal prevalence in group-I and group-II. Significantly higher prevalence of hypertension was seen in group-I and group-II (p = 0.036) as compared to group-III. Mean serum hsCRP was significantly higher for group-I as compared to group-II (p = 0.027) and group-III (p = 0.001). Weak positive correlation was seen between hsCRP levels and PASI and NAPSI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of metabolic syndrome is similar in nail psoriasis patients and psoriasis patients without nail involvement. However, higher hsCRP levels with nail psoriasis may reflect increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities. A baseline screening with correction of modifiable risk factors should be aimed at in patients with nail psoriasis.