Osteoporosis: Another Risk for Patients with Psoriasis?

In men, psoriasis was significantly associated with an increased risk for decreased bone-mineral density.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a systemic disease. We have covered many studies documenting associations between psoriasis and risks for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, lymphoma, and chronic pulmonary disease. Now, researchers report an association with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (bone-mineral density ≥2.5 standard deviations below the mean in healthy young adults of the same sex) and osteopenia (1–2.5 SDs below) are common, particularly in aging women. Circulating cytokines (e.g., INF-γ, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α) may increase osteoporosis. These conditions are associated with poor outcomes, perhaps related to fracture. Many agents are available for their prevention and treatment.

These authors studied 7936 patients with pso…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)