# Platelet Reactivity in the Exacerbation of Psoriasis

## TL;DR

This study found that platelet reactivity in psoriasis flare-ups is influenced by factors like gender, BMI, and blood markers such as cholesterol and C-reactive protein.

## Contribution

The study identifies multiple clinical and laboratory factors associated with platelet reactivity during psoriasis exacerbations.

## Key findings

- Women had higher maximal platelet aggregation than men (77% vs. 72%).
- Platelet reactivity was negatively correlated with triglycerides and total cholesterol.
- Higher platelet counts and C-reactive protein levels were linked to increased platelet reactivity.

## Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease with a specific cutaneous presentation. Increased platelet aggregation has been observed in patients with extensive psoriatic lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical factors affecting platelet reactivity in patients with an exacerbation of psoriasis. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, observational study, enrolling patients hospitalized for an aggravation of psoriasis. Enrolled patients underwent single platelet function testing with light transmission aggregometry on the first morning of hospitalization. Results: 120 patients were enrolled in the study. Of the compared subgroups, women had higher maximal platelet aggregation (MPA) than men (77% vs. 72%; p = 0.03), and those with BMIs < 25 kg/m2 showed higher platelet reactivity compared to subjects with BMIs ≥ 25 kg/m2 (75% vs. 73%; p = 0.02). There was a positive correlation between MPA and platelet count (r = 0.27; p < 0.01), as well as C-reactive protein concentration (r = 0.20; p = 0.03), while a negative correlation was observed with total cholesterol (r = −0.24; p = 0.01) and triglycerides (r = −0.30; p < 0.01). A two-step analysis based on multidimensional models with random effects revealed that every increase in the platelet count by 103/μL led to an increase in MPA by 0.07% (R2 = 0.07; p < 0.01), and an increase in triglycerides’ concentration by 1 mg/dL was related to a reduction in MPA by 0.05% (R2 = 0.07; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The increased platelet reactivity observed in patients with psoriasis appears to be multifactorial and related to several clinical and laboratory features. Further research is warranted to put these findings into a clinical perspective.