| Abstract: | 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 60 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, 0.98‐3.80; and range, 0.29‐11.60) than did those in the control group (median, 1.03 mg/L; IQR, 0.36‐2.15; and range, 0.10‐3.35). Psoriatic patients also had higher mean MIMT (0.74 ± 0.19 and 0.54 ± 0.12, respectively, and P < .0001) compared with 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 these patients. So, not only does 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. |
