High sensitivity C-reactive protein as a biomarker in detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis.

: Psoriasis is known to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation and an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between hs-CRP and subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients. In sixty patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, we evaluated the serum hs-CRP level and mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (MIMT-CCA). Psoriatic patients had higher levels of hs-CRP (median: 2.25 mg/L IQR: 0.98 to 3.80 and range: 0.29 to 11.60) than did those in the control group (median: 1.03 mg/L IQR: 0.36 to 2.15 and range: 0.10 to 3.35). Psoriatic patients also had higher mean MIMT (0.74±0.19 and 0.54±0.12, respectively and P<.0001) compared to healthy subjects. The serum level of hs-CRP was significantly correlated with MIMT (P<.0001). Our results indicate that psoriatic patients have a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and hs-CRP may be a useful marker for future risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients. So, not only dose anti-inflammatory drugs play a key role in the treatment of psoriasis, but also they may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing level of inflammatory markers including hs-CRP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.