Psoriasis associated with hepatitis C but not with hepatitis B

Arnon D. Cohen, Dahlia Weitzman, Shlomo Birkenfeld, Jacob Dreiher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the association between psoriasis and viral hepatitis. Methods: Psoriasis patients were compared to controls regarding the prevalence of viral hepatitis in a case-control study using logistic multivariate models. The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services. Results: The study included 12,502 psoriasis patients >20 years old and 24,287 age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with psoriasis was increased compared to the prevalence in controls (1.03 vs. 0.56%; p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, psoriasis was associated with hepatitis C. An interaction with smoking was noted (smokers: odds ratio, OR = 1.93, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.30-2.67; nonsmokers: OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.63-3.04). The prevalence of hepatitis B in patients with psoriasis was higher than in the controls (0.74 vs. 0.56%; p = 0.043). However, in a multivariate analysis psoriasis was not associated with hepatitis B (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.93-1.60, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Our observation supports previous reports of an association between psoriasis and hepatitis C but not with hepatitis B. Physicians who care for patients with psoriasis should be aware of this possible association and consider screening patients with psoriasis for hepatitis C.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218-222
Number of pages5
JournalDermatology
Volume220
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Comorbidity
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Psoriasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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