Hypertension, Antihypertensive Medication Use, and Risk of Psoriasis

Overview

The influences of hypertension and antihypertensive medication on psoriasis have been long discussed. Given the limited and inconsistent evidence available, there is a need to further explore and clarify the relationship between hypertension and psoriasis, as well as to assess the relationship between antihypertensive medication use and the development or worsening of psoriasis symptoms. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze data from electronic health records in a large population-based cohort, and the investigators aimed to investigate whether there was a significant association between hypertension and the use of related antihypertensive medications, such as ACEis, and psoriasis, and to explore potential confounders that may influence this association. Understanding the potential relationship between antihypertensive medication and psoriasis is critical, as this may have implications for the management of hypertension in patients with psoriasis or those at risk of developing the condition. This study will contribute to the existing body of evidence and provide valuable insights for clinicians to make informed decisions about the use of antihypertensive medication in this patient population, ultimately contributing to more effective prevention and management strategies for individuals affected by these diseases.

The investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study of psoriasis patients (≥18 years old) admitted as inpatients of Xijing hospital. Prior to the commencement of the survey, the investigators underwent collective training on data collection procedures to ensure the quality and reliability of the data. The study population included psoriasis patients aged 18 years or older who had been hospitalized at least once between 2012 and December 2022. Healthy individuals being randomly selected healthy individuals from a medical examination center. According to local ethics, the investigators have applied for exemption from written informed consent. Patients with psoriasis in the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University from December 2012 to December 2022 were consecutively collected. Inclusion criteria: (1) age ≥18 years; (2) Clear diagnosis of psoriasis. Exclusion criteria: (1) age \<18; (2) Hypertension caused by conditions such as primary hypertension, hyperthyroidism, chronic renal insufficiency, or Cushing's syndrome, which are severe endocrine system diseases; (3) Patients with autoimmune diseases, severe cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or other major organ disorders, as well as blood disorders and endocrine system diseases. The study collected various parameters, including baseline information such as ID number, gender, date of birth, medical history, and family history. Psoriasis-related data included age at first onset, date of diagnosis, duration of disease, frequency of relapse, psoriasis subtype, history of systemic/local medication, and comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, clinical examination data and laboratory tests were conducted, which included measurements such as height, weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), PASI score (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides, uric acid, neutrophil count (normal range 1.80-6.30 × 109/L), and lymphocyte count (normal range 1.00-4.80 × 109/L). It is important to note that all blood tests were conducted prior to any treatment. The above information was obtained from the Medical Record System of Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University.