Psoriasis is associated with a greater risk of incident venous thromboembolism: the Iowa Women's Health Study

Short-Term Cardiovascular Complications in Dermatology Patients Receiving JAK-STAT Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Evolving evidence suggests that patients receiving Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription inhibitors (JAK-STATi) may be at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most existing literature has focused on indications that may confer a higher MACE and VTE risk than that among patients with isolated dermatological indications.

Objective

To evaluate risk of MACE, VTE, serious adverse events (SAEs), and tolerability of systemic JAK-STATi compared with placebo, in those with a dermatologic indication.

Data Sources

A systematic review of the literature was carried out to June 2023, using databases Embase, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library of Registered Trials, and registered Clinical Trials. The analysis was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The analysis itself took place in June 2023.

Study Selection

Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials that compared systemic JAK-STATi with placebo, and investigated the safety in patients with alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus or hidradenitis suppurativa.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Study selection and data extraction by 2 authors working independently using a standardized template. Crude numbers for MACE, VTE, SAEs, and study discontinuation due to treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were pooled and underwent meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence of MACE, VTE, SAE, and study discontinuation due to TEAEs. Analysis of these values against person exposure years to determine the incidence rate (IR). Risk ratios (RRs) compared incidence rates among treatment and placebo comparator arms.

Results

Forty-five randomized clinical trials were eligible for inclusion, with 12 996 patients receiving active JAK-STATi therapy and 4925 allocated to placebo treatment. Meta-analysis found no significant increase in MACE (I2 = 0.00%; RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.80) or VTE (I2 = 0.00%; RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.80) between placebo and JAK-STATi comparator arms. There was also no significant difference in SAEs (I2 = 12.38%; RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.72-1.20) and discontinuations between JAK-STATi and placebo (I2 = 23.55%; RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.76-1.19).

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis did not identify a significant increase in the risk of MACE and VTE in dermatology patients receiving JAK-STATi for median duration of 16 weeks. The results of this review suggest there is insufficient evidence that JAK-STATi confer an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in dermatological patients, especially when used for short time frames.

Psoriatic inflammation-induced atypically located venous thromboembolism: A case of immuno-thrombosis

The immune and hemostatic systems share a common evolutionary origin, both defend against threats to organisms, and inflammation can cause venous thromboembolism. We would like to report a patient with a history of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease, who has been admitted to our clinic with a swollen right arm and collateral veins visible throughout the right upper arm and right pectoral region, which have been present for almost 2 years. Investigations revealed a thrombus extending from the proximal basilic vein into the axillary and subclavian veins but sparing the superior vena cava. Further investigation was performed to reveal any likely cause other than psoriasis, including malignancy, rheumatological disease, or genetic thrombophilia, but none were revealed. This report illustrates that psoriasis-related inflammation can cause atypically located venous thromboembolic events.

Autoimmune disease and risk of postpartum venous thromboembolism

Background

The risk of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States has nearly doubled since 1990, with venous thromboembolism (VTE) accounting for approximately 10% of these deaths.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess whether preexisting autoimmune disease is a risk factor for postpartum VTE.

Methods

Using the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental administrative databases, a retrospective cohort study analyzed whether postpartum persons with autoimmune disease had a higher risk of postpartum VTE incidence than postpartum persons without autoimmune disease. Using International Classification of Diseases codes, we identified 757,303 individuals of childbearing age who had a valid delivery date with at least 12 weeks of follow-up.

Results

Individuals were, on average, 30.7 years old (SD, 5.4), and 3.7% (N = 27,997 of 757,303) of them had evidence of preexisting autoimmune disease. In covariate-adjusted models, postpartum persons with preexisting autoimmune disease had higher rates of postpartum VTE than postpartum persons without autoimmune disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.64). When analyzed by individual autoimmune disease, those with systemic lupus erythematosus (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.47-4.21) and Crohn's disease (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.34-4.64) were at an elevated risk of postpartum VTE compared with those without autoimmune disease.

Conclusion

Autoimmune disease was associated with a higher rate of postpartum VTE, with evidence that the association was most pronounced among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus and Crohn's disease. These findings suggest that postpartum persons of childbearing age with autoimmune disease may require more monitoring and prophylactic care after delivery to prevent potentially fatal VTE events.

Association of Psoriasis With Incident Venous Thromboembolism and Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Psoriasis, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) share similar mechanisms involving chronic inflammation. However, the associations between psoriasis and VTE or PVD are unclear.

Objective

To determine the association of psoriasis with incident VTE and PVD.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for relevant publications from their respective inception through May 21, 2021. No restrictions on language or geographic locations were imposed.

Study Selection

Two authors independently selected cohort studies that investigated the risk for incident VTE or PVD in patients with psoriasis. Any discrepancy was resolved through discussion with 2 senior authors until reaching consensus. Only 13 initially identified studies met the selection criteria for qualitative review, and only 9 of these for quantitative analysis.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with 2 other authors. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding confidence intervals for incident VTE and PVD. Subgroup analyses based on arthritis status, psoriasis severity, sex, and geographic location were also performed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hazard ratios for incident VTE and PVD associated with psoriasis.

Results

A total of 13 cohort studies with 12 435 982 participants were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk for incident VTE (pooled HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48) and PVD (pooled HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40) among patients with psoriasis. Subgroup analyses illustrated increased risk for incident VTE among participants with psoriatic arthritis (pooled HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), women (pooled HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.36-2.61), and those in Asia (pooled HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.42-2.88) and Europe (pooled HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.53).

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis found an increased risk for incident VTE and PVD among patients with psoriatic disease. Typical presentations of VTE or PVD should not be overlooked in patients with psoriasis. Risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and varicose veins, should be identified and treated in patients with psoriasis, and medications like hormone-related therapies should be prescribed with caution.

Venous thrombotic events in psoriasis patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with numerous comorbidities. Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerotic arterial disease. Inflammatory conditions are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between psoriasis and VTE has received little attention and existing studies have shown conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to perform a meta-analysis on VTE in psoriasis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic electronic search of the incidence of VTE (pulmonary embolism [PE], deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and/or retinal vein occlusion [RVO]) in psoriasis patients on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane (specifics: see Appendix 1 in Supporting information). Only English literature and full manuscripts were included; abstracts were excluded. Pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using Review Manager.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included. Each study separately indicated a correlation between psoriasis and VTE after adjustment for several clinical parameters. The confounders included in the adjustment differed between studies, but all included adjustment for age, gender and comorbidities. A meta-analysis of the unadjusted data of the five studies that reported raw data on number of VTE events and patient follow-up (person-years) showed a pooled risk ratio for VTE and psoriasis of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.92-1.81). The statistical heterogeneity was high with I² of 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Published data adjusted for key confounders demonstrate in general a significantly increased prevalence of VTE in psoriasis patients. Both psoriasis severity and number of confounders assessed seem to have an impact on this correlation. In this review, we pooled unadjusted data of the studies and we found a non-significant increased risk for VTE in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. This discrepancy suggests that psoriasis severity, age, gender or comorbidities may influence the risk of VTE in subgroups of the psoriasis population. Future research to identify subgroups at risk for VTE is warranted.Key messagesThe included studies reported an increased risk of VTE, DVT, PE and RVO in psoriasis patients.A meta-analysis was performed on five studies that reported raw data and showed that the pooled risk ratio for VTE in psoriasis patients overall was increased, however not significantly, compared to healthy controls.Further research to pinpoint psoriasis subgroups at risk (e.g. severe psoriasis patients, younger age, associated comorbidities) of developing VTE is warranted.

Psoriasis and Atherosclerosis-Skin, Joints, and Cardiovascular Story of Two Plaques in Relation to the Treatment with Biologics

It is known that both psoriasis (PSO) limited to the skin and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) increase the risk of cardiovascular complications and atherosclerosis progression by inducing systemic inflammatory response. In recent decades, the introduction of biological medications directed initially against TNF-α and, later, different targets in the inflammatory cascade brought a significant breakthrough in the efficacy of PSO/PSA treatment. In this review, we present and discuss the most recent findings related to the interplay between the genetics and immunology mechanisms involved in PSO and PSA, atherosclerosis and the development of cardiac dysfunction, as well as the current PSO/PSA treatment in view of cardiovascular safety and prognosis.

The incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolic events in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The risk of arterial vascular events is increased in patients with psoriatic disease (PsD), however, limited information exists about the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients. We assessed the incidence and risk factors for VTE in patients with PsD.

METHODS

A multicentre cohort study was conducted involving patients with PsD followed prospectively from 1994 to 2020. Information about VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), was obtained from provincial hospitalization databases. The incidence rate and cumulative probability of developing VTE were computed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between risk factors, including comorbidities and disease-related factors, and the first VTE.

RESULTS

A total 2,433 patients with PsD were analysed with 26 incident VTE (7 DVT alone, 12 PE alone, and 7 both PE and DVT). The incidence rates of the first VTE, DVT, and PE were 12, 6.5, and 8.8 events per 10,000 patient-years, respectively. The cumulative proportion of individuals developing VTE was 4.6% by 80 years of age. Independent predictors for VTE included older age, diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid usage (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Older patients with PsD, those with diabetes, and those using corticosteroids are at a higher risk of developing VTE. Risk stratification of patients with these identified risk factors for VTE will allow for more individualized patient management and improved medication selection.

Incidence of venous and arterial thromboembolic events reported in the tofacitinib rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis development programmes and from real-world data

Objectives

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ulcerative colitis, and has been investigated in psoriasis (PsO). Routine pharmacovigilance of an ongoing, open-label, blinded-endpoint, tofacitinib RA trial (Study A3921133; NCT02092467) in patients aged ≥50 years and with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor identified a higher frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) and all-cause mortality for patients receiving tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily versus those receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and resulted in identification of a safety signal for tofacitinib. Here, we report the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), PE, venous thromboembolism (VTE; DVT or PE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) from the tofacitinib RA (excluding Study A3921133), PsA and PsO development programmes and observational studies. Data from an ad hoc safety analysis of Study A3921133 are reported separately within.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis used data from separate tofacitinib RA, PsO and PsA programmes. Incidence rates (IRs; patients with events per 100 patient-years’ exposure) were calculated for DVT, PE, VTE and ATE, including for populations stratified by defined baseline cardiovascular or VTE risk factors. Observational data from the US Corrona registries (including cardiovascular risk factor stratification), IBM MarketScan research database and the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database were analysed.

Results

12 410 tofacitinib-treated patients from the development programmes (RA: n=7964; PsO: n=3663; PsA: n=783) were included. IRs (95% CI) of thromboembolic events among the all tofacitinib cohorts’ average tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily treated patients for RA, respectively, were: DVT (0.17 (0.09–0.27) and 0.15 (0.09–0.22)); PE (0.12 (0.06–0.22) and 0.13 (0.08–0.21)); ATE (0.32 (0.22–0.46) and 0.38 (0.28–0.49)). Among PsO patients, IRs were: DVT (0.06 (0.00–0.36) and 0.06 (0.02–0.15)); PE (0.13 (0.02–0.47) and 0.09 (0.04–0.19)); ATE (0.52 (0.22–1.02) and 0.22 (0.13–0.35)). Among PsA patients, IRs were: DVT (0.00 (0.00–0.28) and 0.13 (0.00–0.70)); PE (0.08 (0.00–0.43) and 0.00 (0.00–0.46)); ATE (0.31 (0.08–0.79) and 0.38 (0.08–1.11)). IRs were similar between tofacitinib doses and generally higher in patients with baseline cardiovascular or VTE risk factors. IRs from the overall Corrona populations and in Corrona RA patients (including tofacitinib-naïve/biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-treated and tofacitinib-treated) with baseline cardiovascular risk factors were similar to IRs observed among the corresponding patients in the tofacitinib development programme. No signals of disproportionate reporting of DVT, PE or ATE with tofacitinib were identified in the FAERS database.

Conclusions

DVT, PE and ATE IRs in the tofacitinib RA, PsO and PsA programmes were similar across tofacitinib doses, and generally consistent with observational data and published IRs of other treatments. As expected, IRs of thromboembolic events were elevated in patients with versus without baseline cardiovascular or VTE risk factors, and were broadly consistent with those observed in the Study A3921133 ad hoc safety analysis data, although the IR (95% CI) for PE was greater in patients treated with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily in Study A3921133 (0.54 (0.32–0.87)), versus patients with baseline cardiovascular risk factors treated with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily in the RA programme (0.24 (0.13–0.41)).

Deep vein thrombosis and recurrent pulmonary embolism in a patient with thrombophilic mutations and generalized psoriasis: A case report

Abstract: Introduction: Genetic risk factors that increase venous thromboembolism risk are disorders in the synthesis or activity of coagulation factors. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin (20210-A), antithrombin deficiency, protein C and protein S deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia are the most common venous thromboembolism-related gene mutations. When genetic factors are combined with non-provoking risk factors (obesity, psoriasis, smoking and previous venous thromboembolism) the result is increased venous thromboembolism risk for each factor individually. Previous venous thromboembolism is one of the strongest risk factors, even in patients actively treated with anticoagulants. Patients are more likely to have recurrent venous thromboembolism with longer duration. Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated disease, associated with cardiovascular risk, hypercoagulability markers and elevated homocysteine. Lots of observational reports suggest increased incidence of venous thromboembolic events in patient with psoriasis. Case presentation: We present patient with inherited thrombophilia and chronic diffuse plaque psoriasis complicated with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. DNA analysis indicates the presence of homozygosis for Factor V Leiden mutation as well as heterozygosis for Factor XIII V34L, PAI-1 5G/4G and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism. Dermatological anamnesis is positive for plaque psoriasis since 12 years ago. Conclusion: The presentation of this case indicates an association between venous thromboembolism and chronic psoriasis. All patients with recurrent thromboembolism, hereditary thrombophilia, and moderate to severe psoriasis should be considered to be at higher risk for venous thromboembolism and appropriately treated.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis: a general population-based cohort study

Aims

To determine the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) defined as the combined endpoint of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with population controls.

Methods and results

A cohort study was conducted in a primary care medical record database in the UK with data from 1994-2014 among patients with PsA, RA, or psoriasis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the relative hazards for DVT, PE, and VTE. An interaction with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) was hypothesized a priori and was significant. Patients with PsA (n = 12 084), RA (n = 51 762), psoriasis (n = 194 288) and controls (n = 1 225 571) matched on general practice and start date were identified. Patients with RA (with and without a DMARD prescription) and patients with mild psoriasis had significantly elevated risks of VTE (HR 1.35, 1.29, and 1.07, respectively) after adjusting for traditional risk factors. Severe psoriasis and PsA prescribed a DMARD had an elevated but not statistically significant risk for VTE. Findings were similar for DVT. The age-and-sex-adjusted risk of PE was elevated in RA, severe psoriasis and PsA patients prescribed a DMARD.

Conclusion

While systemic inflammation is a risk factor for VTE, the risk of VTE compared with controls is different among patients with three different inflammatory disorders: RA, PsA, and psoriasis.

Increased risks of venous thromboembolism in patients with psoriasis. A Nationwide Cohort Study

Systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability in psoriasis are related to cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with psoriasis in Taiwan. We identified inpatients aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of psoriasis and controls at a 1: 1 ratio of frequency matched by sex, age, frequency of medical visits, length of stay, and comorbidities between 2000 and 2010 in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Each patient was traced to the date of VTE occurrence, loss to follow-up, death, or the December 31, 2011, whichever occurred first. We analysed 8945 patients with psoriasis and 8945 controls. The patients with psoriasis exhibited a greater incidence rate of VTE (19.2 vs 9.88 per 10 000 person-years) than did the controls. After adjustment for covariates, the patients with psoriasis presented a 2.02-fold risk of VTE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.02, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.42-2.88) compared with that in the control cohort. The aHR of VTE was significantly higher in the first year of follow-up (aHR = 3.30, 95 % CI = 1.45-7.55) than after one year (aHR = 1.68, 95 % CI = 1.13-2.49).

Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that confers significant risk of metabolic derangements and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Early detection and treatment of modifiable risk factors and modulation of the systemic inflammatory response are important treatment goals. Studies have shown that there is a significant lack of awareness of the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, so future considerations should focus on education of and collaboration with health care providers, especially those in primary care, and development of updated, rigorous screening guidelines. In addition, targeted biologic therapies such as TNF-a inhibitors have shown immense promise in targeting the systemic inflammation associated with psoriatic disease, but whether they will impact long-term cardiovascular outcomes remains to be seen.

Portal vein thrombosis associated with psoriasis: a case report

Background

Psoriasis is no longer viewed as an isolated dermatological ailment and instead is considered a systemic disease. The extension of this spectrum has heightened the known risk of morbidity and mortality due to the involvement of cardiovascular system and the risk of venous thrombosis. A number of cases have reported the increased occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the background of psoriasis, however portal vein thrombosis has not been reported to date. We report an index case of chronic portal vein thrombosis in a diagnosed patient with psoriasis.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old South-Asian female previously diagnosed and treated for psoriasis presented with a four month history of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed an enlarged spleen and free fluid in the abdomen. Imaging with ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed features compatible with chronic portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of having clinical awareness of occurrence of thrombosis in patients with psoriasis. Typical symptoms favoring thrombosis should prompt thorough investigation to exclude this rare yet possible complication in patients with psoriasis, including that of portal vein thrombosis. Prophylaxis with anticoagulation still lacks strength of evidence to be justified in psoriasis. The exact pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism in psoriasis is still unexplained and further studies are needed to clarify the causal association.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation with congestive heart failure and left ventricular thrombus: a case report with literature review of 7 cases

Patient: Male, 55

Final Diagnosis: Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Symptoms: Leg pain • short of breath • swelling legs

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology

Psoriasis and risk of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, have been shown to increase venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk but the data on psoriasis is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that reported odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio or standardized incidence ratio comparing VTE risk in patients with psoriasis vs. non-psoriasis participants. Pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effect, generic inverse variance method.

RESULT

Four studies were identified and included in our data analysis. The pooled risk ratio of VTE in patients with psoriasis was 1.46 (95% CI, 1.29-1.66). The statistical heterogeneity of this meta-analysis was high with an I(2) of 86%.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated a statistically significant increased VTE risk among patients with psoriasis.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with clinically isolated spinal cord syndrome

Background. The association between cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and multiple sclerosis (MS) has already been reported in patients with clinically definite MS in relation to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) or previously performed lumbar puncture (LP). Case Summery. We report a 29-year-old Indian female who presented with a clinically isolated spinal cord syndrome according to the revised 2010 McDonald Criteria. She developed CVT after a lumbar puncture and two days of finishing the course of IVMP. Conclusion. We conclude that the sequence of doing lumbar puncture followed by high-dose IVMP may increase the risk of CVT. A prophylactic anticoagulation may be indicated in this setting.