Platelet mass index as early indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis: a case–control study

Background Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease. Inflammatory pathways activation in psoriasis may play a role in atherosclerosis development, independent of conventional risk factors. Platelets may have roles in psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular diseases prevention is based on early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Platelet mass index means platelet countxmean platelet volume. Platelet mass index is a good indicator of inflammation, platelets activation, and atherosclerosis. Objective To evaluate platelet mass index as a marker of early diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis and its relation to different disease characteristics. Patients and methods In this case-control study, 100 psoriasis patients and 100 well-matched healthy controls were included. In all participants, common carotid intima-media thickness, platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet mass index, and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score were estimated. Results There were significant increases in platelet mass index and common carotid intimamedia thickness in patients compared with controls and in atherosclerotic patients compared with nonatherosclerotics. There was significant increase in psoriasis duration in atherosclerotic patients compared with nonatherosclerotics, whereas PASI score showed nonsignificant difference between them. There were significant positive correlations between platelet mass index and patient age, psoriasis duration, common carotid intima-media thickness, whereas there was significant inverse correlation between platelet mass index and age of psoriasis onset and no correlation with PASI score. Platelet mass index was more predictor of atherosclerosis than platelet count and mean platelet volume. Platelet mass index was valid as predictor for atherosclerosis with cutoff value 3322. Conclusion Platelet mass index may be a good marker of platelet activity and subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis. Disease duration is more important than severity in atherosclerosis development. Dermatologists should advice patients to avoid traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to do routine cardiovascular checkup.