Hemoglobin content and sedimentation properties of erythrocytes in psoriasis

Objective To assess the hemoglobin level and sedimentation characteristics of erythrocytes in patients with psoriasis and compare it with healthy subjects. Patients and methods It was a cross-sectional study, conducted at Department of Biochemistry Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro in collaboration with Department of Dermatology LUMHS from March, 2007 to December, 2007. 79 consecutive adult patients (ages from 15 years onwards), 44 male and 35 female with various grades of severity of psoriasis were included in study. Similar number of healthy persons of matching ages and sex were included as control. After recording their demographic data blood was analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Similar analysis was done on healthy controls. The results thus obtained were analyzed statistically by using Chi-square test. Results Statistically significant differences regarding hemoglobin level and sedimentation rate were observed in between patients and healthy controls. Hb% was low (mean in males 12.62 SD 1.27, in females 11.13 SD 1.48, p ≤0.001) as compared to healthy controls (mean in males: 15.28 SD 1.38, in females: 13.67 SD 1.66). ESR was elevated in psoriasis patients (mean 30mm in 1 st hr SD 10.37 in males, females 34 mm/1 st hr SD 12.21 ( p ≤0.001) as compared to normal controls (males 09 mm/1 st hour SD 4.16, females 15 mm/1 st hour SD 3.52). Conclusion Psoriasis is associated with systemic inflammatory response with changes in hemoglobin level and properties of erythrocytes.