COVID-19 May Exacerbate Psoriasis, Yet Psoriasis Displays Protective
Effects Against Liver Injury Caused by COVID-19: A Multicenter
Observational Study
Abstract
Currently, limited data are available on the association between
psoriasis deterioration and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
infection in the Chinese population. Our study aims to investigate the
correlation between treatment modalities and the state of disease
control and exacerbation following COVID-19. We conducted a
cross-sectional study based on patients from the psoriasis database of
the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) between January 16, 2023,
and September 20, 2023, collecting clinical characteristics and symptoms
associated with COVID-19. A total of 583 patients completed a
questionnaire, with 474 (81.3%) reporting COVID-19. Our study indicated
that young patients with moderate to severe psoriasis faced a higher
risk of experiencing psoriasis deterioration and various dermatological
diseases following COVID-19. Laboratory tests conducted during the first
wave of the pandemic revealed significantly decreased serum prealbumin
levels and GGT levels among psoriasis patients affected by COVID-19. In
conclusion, COVID-19 exacerbates the susceptibility of young patients
with moderate to severe psoriasis, leading to an increased likelihood of
experiencing deterioration and other dermatological conditions following
COVID-19. The administration of biologics does not exacerbate the
severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Psoriasis confers a protective effect
against COVID-19-induced liver damage.