ABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate the demographics, therapeutic protocols, risk factors and co-morbidities of psoriasis in one hospital in Jordan's public military health sector
Methods: Our study included 350 adult patients, of both genders, aged 19-75 years, diagnosed with psoriasis by dermatologists. The demographics, therapeutic protocols, risk factors and co-morbidities were assessed. Psoriasis was classified as severe, moderate, and mild forms depending on the psoriasis area severity index [PASI] score, which was used to assess the severity of psoriatic lesions based on area coverage and plaque appearance, a PASI <5 is a mild psoriasis, a PASI <10 is a moderate, and a PASI>10 is a severe psoriasis. We collected information on skin disorders and infections, chronic diseases, pregnancy, stress, obesity, smoking status and drug use [beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, anti-malarial, NSAIDs, lithium, interferon's tetracycline's and penicillin.]. The study was approved by the ethics and research review board committee of the Royal Medical Services. The patients' information was used for the study during a period of 4 years from Jan 2012 to Jan 2016 at Prince Rashid Military Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
Results: Psoriasis was more prevalent in men and most prevalent in the age group 68-75 years. The prevalence in both genders increased with increasing age. 94.9% of patients were treated with topical corticosteroids and 12.9% of patients had systemic treatment. Psoriatic patients experienced increased co-morbidities of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Patients with previous skin disorders [OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 2.9-3.8]] and skin infection [OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.8]], during the last year, had the highest risk of having psoriasis. Other risk factors include Smoking, obesity, stress, depression and skin trauma
Conclusion: The number of Jordanian psoriatic patients presenting to public health military sector hospitals is more in males than in females and the number increased markedly in patients aged 68-75 years