Bone densitometry in psoriasis vulgaris: first study in Iran

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases. For the first time in Iran, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate bone mineral density in patients with psoriasis vulgaris in comparison with a healthy control group (20 individuals in each group). Our study sample included patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Razi Hospital in Ghaemshahr, Iran, between May and October 2019. Densitometry was performed by the DEXA method on the 2nd to 4th lumbar vertebrae and hip bone. Patients’ demographic information and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 22.

The mean T-score in the case and control groups were -0.47 ± 1.04 and -0.19 ± 0.45, respectively (P = 0.274). The mean T-score had a significant inverse correlation with an age of 40 years or above (r = -0.873 and P < 0.001), disease duration of more than five years (r = -0.599, P = 0.05), and PASI score (r = -0.523, P = 0.001), but had a positive correlation with sunlight exposure (r = 0.581, P < 0.001).

Considering the decrease in bone density in patients with psoriasis and its relationship with the disease severity and duration and the effectiveness of sunlight in increasing bone density, preventive treatment should be provided for all patients to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.