Psoriasis associated with hepatitis C but not with hepatitis B

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.