Psoriasis and its impact on liver health: What a dermatologist needs to know

Psoriasis is associated with a wide range of somatic diseases and conditions. It shares some common components of pathogenesis with psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, coexists with cardiovascular diseases and endocrine disorders. In addition, liver diseases are quite often diagnosed in patients with psoriasis. In particular, up to 65% of patients have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Idiopathic changes in blood biochemical values have also been observed in psoriasis. These changes are thought to be caused by metabolic disorders, alcohol consumption, and hepatotoxic therapy prescribed as part of treatment for psoriasis. Our own retrospective chart review of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis showed alterations in biochemical parameters, such as the level of ALT, AST and total bilirubin in about 30% of patients. In addition, ultrasound findings demonstrated that some patients had signs of various hepatobiliary tract disorders. Based on our many years of experience, we found that administration of ademetionine in patients with psoriasis and hepatobiliary tract disorders resulted in significant improvement in burden of disease. This drug has a more rapid onset of action than some other hepatoprotective agents. 1–2 months of its regular use was able to normalize biochemical blood levels. Besides, a decreased level of anxiety and emotional instability, to which patients with psoriasis are prone, is observed. It should be noted that timely administration of hepatoprotective therapy in patients with psoriasis require regular monitoring of liver changes, which can develop both due to comorbidities and intake of hepatotoxic drugs.

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