Psoriasis comorbidity and multiple sclerosis progression study

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This study assess whether psoriasis comorbidity affected the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS)

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Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis are inflammatory disorders, with epidemiological and biological associations. The impact of one disease on the course of the other has not been studied.

Objective:
To characterize patients with psoriasis and MS, and to assess whether psoriasis comorbidity affected the progression of MS.

Methods:
A retrospective case control study. Patients with psoriasis comorbidity were identified from 3456 patients included in the Sheba Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Center database. Clinical and demographical characteristics and MS progression-related outcomes in patients whose follow up exceeded 5 years were analyzed and compared to those of a matched control cohort of MS-only (MSO) patients.

Results:
Forty-five (1.3%) MS patients had psoriasis comorbidity. Psoriasis preceded MS in thirty-five (78%) cases. The psoriasis was defined as mild, moderate, and severe in twenty-four (53%), twelve (27%), and nine (20%) cases, respectively. MS progression-related outcomes were evaluated in 35 patients that had follow-up over 5 years. Patients with psoriasis onset preceding relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) had slower progression of disease compared to MSO patients, as manifested by a longer time to second relapse (p<0.01) and a longer time to significant neurological disability scores (p<0.03).

Conclusion:
Psoriasis comorbidity preceding the onset of MS is associated with slower progression of disability.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Early view funding unknown.