Assessment of Psoriasis Incidence in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Coincidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis is rare, but by consideration of skin involvement in both diseases and exacerbation of psoriasis with routine anti-malaria remedies used for lupus, assessment of coincidence of two diseases is important. In the current study, coincidence of psoriasis in cases with active SLE was assessed.

This was a cross-sectional study on 148 cases with active SLE performed during the years 2015-17. Lupus activity was assessed based on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI-2K). Then, psoriasis was evaluated in patients. Demographics of patients were recorded as well. Findings: Mean score of SLEDAI-2K was 19.77 ± 14.10. Duration of SLE and score of SLEDAI-2K had significant association (P = 0.001, r = 0.294). Gender distribution in psoriasis was significant (P = 0.019). There was no association between psoriasis and patients' age (P = 0.08), duration of SLE (P = 0.316), and SLEDAI-2K score (P = 0.295).

Mean age of patients, duration of SLE, and mean score of lupus activity were not in association with coincidence of psoriasis and SLE, but gender distribution of psoriasis among patients with active SLE was probably more among men.