Correlation between serum uric acid, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with psoriasis: A case-control study

Background and Design: Although multiple investigations have been conducted to identify important serum biomarkers in patients with psoriasis, no simple, useful biomarker that could be specific for psoriasis has been identified. Objectives: 1) To determine the levels of serum uric acid (SUA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) among individuals with psoriasis and controls, 2) to assess the correlation of SUA and CRP levels and NLR with disease severity calculated through the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) in patients with psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, case-control study included 45 patients clinically diagnosed with psoriasis and 45 age- and sex-matched controls attending the outpatient dermatology clinic of our hospital. After a complete history was taken, and general, systemic, and cutaneous examinations were performed, all the cases were subjected to the following investigations: Complete blood count (NLR), CRP and SUA. Results: Mean SUA level was significantly higher in the patients with psoriasis compared to the controls (p<0.01). However, no difference in CRP levels and NLR was observed (p>0.05). A significant correlation of SUA level and NLR was found with disease severity in the patients with psoriasis as determined by the PASI. In multivariate analysis, only SUA was found to be independently associated with psoriasis severity (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that only SUA to be independently associated with psoriasis severity. No association was found between CRP levels and NLR and disease severity, as well as no difference between the disease and controls groups.