Abstract :
Background: Psoriasis is a common dermatological disorder with many risk factors including low calcium levels. The improvement of psoriasis with calcium and Vitamin D3 analogues can implicate a role of calcium levels in triggering or aggravating psoriasis by controlling the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes.
Aims: The objective is to study the calcium levels in various types of psoriasis and to find any correlation between calcium levels and severity of psoriasis.
Study design: Cross sectional observational study
Materials and Methods: Serum calcium and albumin levels of all psoriatic patients meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed. PASI score was calculated for patients with psoriasis vulgaris.
Statistical analysis used: SPSS software, version 21.0 was used. Chi-square test used for significance of study parameters on categorical scale [significance was assessed at 5% level of significance] and Pearson test was used to find correlation.
Results: The study included 206 patients of various forms of psoriasis over the period of 1 year, with males outnumbering females. Hypocalcaemia was found in 18.45% of patients, with significant association of hypocalcaemia in psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis and erythroderma. A moderately strong negative correlation was found between severity of psoriasis vulgaris and serum calcium levels.
Conclusion: Association of hypocalcaemia with severe forms of psoriasis can indicate the role of oral or dietary supplements to correct serum calcium levels to prevent the progression of mild, stable forms of disease to severe forms and thus provide a better outcome.
Keyword :
Hypocalcaemia, Psoriasis, PASI, Serum calcium.