INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of dermatologic disease is rising in Southeast Asia. As such, clinicians in this region search to identify risk factors and diagnostic markers to better understand these conditions and develop appropriate diagnostic criteria.1 One such condition includes psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting nearly 2% of individuals of European descent and 0.2–4% of the world population.2 The prevalence of psoriasis in dermatological departments in Southeast Asia was reported to be nearly 3.8%.1 One hallmark of psoriasis is its tendency to wax and wane, with flares related to systemic and environmental factors including stress and infection. Thus, the prevalence of psoriasis may be underreported in certain areas due to its undulating nature.3
Genetics and immunological mechanisms are thought to play a significant role in psoriasis.4 Furthermore, many comorbidities are associated with symptom onset and progression to severe disease. Psoriasis has been associated with metabolic syndromes including obesity, dyslipidemias, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with psoriasis may have hematological, biochemical, and immunological abnormalities characterized by markers varying amongst psoriasis subtypes.5 Determining which of these indicators are associated with psoriasis may improve diagnostic confidence, help classify between various subtypes, serve as a prognostic marker, better prepare the clinician for treatment options, and aid in monitoring progression of disease. Two hematological markers which can reflect the inflammatory status of psoriasis patients include red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV).6
The objective for this study was to find the correlation of platelet count, MPV, and RDW with severity of disease in psoriasis patients as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
Genetics and immunological mechanisms are thought to play a significant role in psoriasis.4 Furthermore, many comorbidities are associated with symptom onset and progression to severe disease. Psoriasis has been associated with metabolic syndromes including obesity, dyslipidemias, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with psoriasis may have hematological, biochemical, and immunological abnormalities characterized by markers varying amongst psoriasis subtypes.5 Determining which of these indicators are associated with psoriasis may improve diagnostic confidence, help classify between various subtypes, serve as a prognostic marker, better prepare the clinician for treatment options, and aid in monitoring progression of disease. Two hematological markers which can reflect the inflammatory status of psoriasis patients include red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV).6
The objective for this study was to find the correlation of platelet count, MPV, and RDW with severity of disease in psoriasis patients as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
