Psoriasis – visible killer

Sa？etak Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases with the prevalence of 1.6-3% in general population, therefore it is an important public health issue. It is an inflammatory immunomediated disorder that manifests as a eritematosquamous dermatosis with plaques on predilection areas. Psoriasis is not a life-threatening disease itself, however cardiovascular risk factors connected to it may lead to a lethal outcome. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed in patients with psoriasis more often than in general population, especially in female patients older than 40 years old with a longer and more severe form of psoriasis. Etiology of the metabolic changes is still not completely understood, although there is evidence that metabolic changes are not exclusively the result of long active disease, but can precede the first onset of symptoms. T helper (Th) Th1- and Th17-cells-mediated immunological response systemically present in psoriasis contributes to the development or deterioration of diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and obesity. Treatment of psoriasis is based on the management of skin disease and its comorbidities adjusted to individual patient. Use of methotrexate and biological agents such as infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept has shown lower rates of mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke with improvement of endothelial function in regards to patients treated with other therapeutical options. Approach to a patient suffering from psoriasis needs to be comprehensive and multidisciplinary, involving the management of psoriasis, prevention, early diagnosis and adequate management of its comorbidities