Liver Stiffness Measurement in Psoriasis: Do Metabolic or Disease Factors Play the Important Role?

Cumulative methotrexate dose is not associated with liver fibrosis in patients with a history of moderate-to-severe psoriasis

BACKGROUND

There are established risk factors for liver fibrosis (LF), but data on the impact of methotrexate on LF in patients with psoriasis are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LF in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate the relationship between LF, cumulative methotrexate dose and other LF risk factors.

METHODS

Adults with a history of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited between June 2020 and March 2021. Patients underwent transient elastography to evaluate LF. Three values for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were assessed, indicating mild or worse LF (≥ 7 kPa), moderate or worse LF (≥ 7.9 kPa) and advanced LF (≥ 9.5kPa). Cumulative methotrexate dose and other potential risk factors for LF were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 240 patients were recruited and 204 participants with valid LSM values were included in the analysis [median age 48 years [interquartile range (IQR) 37-57]; 51% female sex; 56% body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (kg m-2) and a median Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of 4 (IQR 1-7, 23% score ≥ 8)]. In total, 91% had received methotrexate [median duration 36 months (IQR 14-78)]. Prevalence of LF was 36%, 25% and 17% using LSM ≥ 7 kPa, ≥ 7.9 kPa and ≥ 9.5 kPa, respectively. There was no association between cumulative methotrexate dose [median 2.16 (IQR 0.93-5.2)] and continuous LSM values [unstandardized coefficient 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.49 to 0.82, P = 0.626] or using the categorical LSM cutoff values: ≥ 7 kPa [unadjusted odds ratio 1.06 (95% CI 0.97-1.15), P = 0.192], ≥ 7.9 kPa [unadjusted odds ratio 1.03 (95% CI 0.94-1.12), P = 0.577] and ≥ 9.5 kPa (unadjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.91-1.12; P = 0.843). The following risk factors were associated with higher LSM values: BMI (P ≤ 0.001), waist circumference (P ≤ 0.001), metabolic syndrome (P ≤ 0.001), AUDIT score (P = 0.020) and FIB-4 score (P = 0.03). BMI ≥ 28, diabetes and metabolic syndrome were shown to be better predictors of LF compared with FIB-4 score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms a high prevalence of significant LF in patients with psoriasis. Cumulative methotrexate dose was not associated with LF. Patients with BMI ≥ 28, metabolic syndrome and diabetes are at higher risk for LF. These risk factors may help to identify when a more detailed liver health assessment is needed.

Psoriasis and steatotic liver disease: Are PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms suitable for the hepato-dermal axis hypothesis?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

A high prevalence of steatotic liver disease has been described in psoriasis. However, the influence of genetic polymorphisms has yet to be investigated in this scenario. This study aims to determine the frequency of steatosis, advanced liver fibrosis and PNPLA3/TM6SF2 genotypes in individuals with psoriasis and to evaluate the impact of genetic polymorphisms, metabolic parameters and cumulative methotrexate dose on steatosis and fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study that prospectively included psoriasis outpatients, submitted to clinical and laboratory analysis, transient elastography (FibroScan®, Fr) and PNPLA3/TM6SF2 genotyping. Steatosis was defined by CAP ≥275 dB/m and advanced liver fibrosis as transient elastography ≥10 kPa. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the independent variables related to steatosis and fibrosis; p-value< 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-nine patients were enrolled (age 54.6 ± 12.6 years, 57.3% female). Metabolic syndrome (MetS), steatosis and advanced liver fibrosis prevalence were 55.8%, 54.8% and 9%, respectively. PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 genotypes frequencies were CC 42.3%/CG 49.5%/GG 8.2% and CC 88.7%/ CT 11.3%/ TT 0%. MetS (OR3.01 95%CI 1.51-5.98; p = 0.002) and body mass index (OR1.17 95%CI 1.08-1.26; p < 0.01) were independently associated with steatosis. Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (OR10.76 95%CI 2.42-47.87; p = 0.002) and harboring at least one PNPLA3 G allele (OR5.66 95%CI 1.08-29.52; p = 0.039) were associated with advanced fibrosis, but not TM6SF2 polymorphism or cumulative MTX dose.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS and T2DM confer higher odds for steatosis and advanced fibrosis in individuals with psoriasis. PNPLA3 G allele, but not TM6SF2 polymorphism, impacts a 5-fold odds of advanced liver fibrosis.

The Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score for assessing significant liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

There is an urgent need for noninvasive tests to identify patients with psoriasis at risk of significant liver fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES

To externally validate the ability of the Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score to detect significant liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis using transient elastography (TE) as a reference.

METHODS

We analysed data from 75 patients with psoriasis, including TE, SAFE score, Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score (NFS). Significant liver fibrosis was defined as TE values ≥ 7.1 kPa. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (20%) exhibited significant liver fibrosis. The AUROCs for the SAFE and FIB-4 scores were 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.97] and 0.62 (95% CI 0.45-0.79), respectively. The SAFE score outperformed the FIB-4 Index (P = 0.01) but was comparable with the NFS (P = 0.05) in predicting significant fibrosis. Using thresholds of < 0, 0 to < 100 and ≥ 100, the SAFE score categorized 36, 24 and 15 patients into low, intermediate and high-risk groups for significant fibrosis, respectively. The negative predictive value for excluding significant fibrosis with a SAFE score of < 0 was 94.4%, and the positive predictive value for diagnosing significant fibrosis with a SAFE score of > 100 was 53.3%. The duration of psoriasis, joint involvement and methotrexate treatment did not affect the diagnostic ability of the SAFE score whereas age of the patient did.

CONCLUSIONS

The SAFE score demonstrated good accuracy in assessing clinically significant fibrosis among patients with psoriasis. This score should prove valuable for risk stratification and patient management in dermatology practice.

Interleukin Levels and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: An Analytical Case Control Study

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated inflammatory condition of the skin and imbalance in inflammatory mediators could result in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and facilitate the occurrence and progression of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Objectives

Primary objectives: To study the frequency of NAFLD in cases of chronic plaque psoriasis and controlsTo study the interleukin levels in cases of chronic plaque psoriasis and controls. Secondary objectives: To study the BMI, lipid profile, waist circumference, FBS (fasting blood sugar), PPBS (post prandial blood sugar) and serum insulin in cases and controlsTo study the association of age, duration of psoriasis, PASI (psoriasis area severity index), BSA (body surface area) involved, BMI (body mass index), lipid profile, obesity, waist circumference, FBS (fasting blood sugar), PPBS (post prandial blood sugar) and serum insulin levels with NAFLD in patients of chronic plaque psoriasisTo correlate serum levels of IL1-β, IL6 and TNF-α with NAFLD in patients of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Methods

50 clinically diagnosed cases of chronic plaque psoriasis with age ≥ 18years, diseases duration ≥ 6 months and 30 age and sex matched controls were recruited. PASI, BSA of cases was calculated and BMI, BP, WC of all subjects was measured. Serum lipid profile, FBS, PPBS, insulin level, IL1- β , IL6, TNF- α , high frequency B-mode ultrasound, LFT and fibroscan were done in all subjects.

Results

28(56.0%) cases and 2(6.6%) controls had NAFLD with statistically significant difference. Significantly elevated WC, serum insulin, deranged lipid profile, fatty liver, transaminitis, fibroscan score, liver fibrosis, NAFLD and interleukins were found in cases vs controls. There was a significant association of NAFLD in psoriatic patients with increasing duration of psoriasis, BMI ≥23 Kg/m2, high WC, increasing BSA involved, deranged lipid profile, raised total cholesterol levels and increasing number of risk factors. Nonsignificant but positive association of NAFLD in cases was found with high levels of IL1 - β, IL - 6, TNF-α, FBS and increasing PASI.

Conclusion

Significantly increased interleukin levels and their weak positive correlation with the severity of psoriasis (PASI, BSA) in patients of chronic plaque psoriasis explains the possible role of inflammation in the causation of psoriasis. Screening may be considered in psoriatic patients with increasing duration of psoriasis, high WC, high BSA involved, high BMI, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

Limitations

Small sample size.

Conflict of Intrest

NONE.

Metabolic Syndrome Screening and Nutritional Status of Patients with Psoriasis: A Scoping Review

Background: Patients with plaque psoriasis have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. However, no studies have assessed the nutritional status or screening methods of this population. Aims: This review aimed to identify and summarise metabolic syndrome screening criteria and the tools/methods used in nutrition assessment in patients with plaque psoriasis. Data synthesis: PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2023, following the Arkensey and O'Malley framework, to identify articles that report nutritional assessment methods/tools and metabolic screening criteria. Twenty-one studies were identified. Overall, these studies used four different screening criteria to define metabolic syndrome. Patients with psoriasis had a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and had a poor nutritional status compared to controls. However, only anthropometric measures such as weight, height and waist circumference were employed to determine the nutritional status. Only two studies assessed the vitamin D status. Conclusions: Patients with psoriasis have a poor nutritional status, and they are at risk of nutrient deficiencies. However, these health aspects are not routinely assessed and may increase the risk of malnutrition among these patients. Therefore, additional assessments, such as body composition and dietary assessment, are needed to determine the nutritional status to provide a suitable intervention.

Liver fibrosis prevalence and risk factors in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Patients with psoriasis are more likely than matched controls in the general population to have advanced liver fibrosis; however, our understanding of these patients is limited. There is currently no systematic evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors of liver fibrosis in psoriasis patients.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of psoriasis patients who are at high or low risk for advanced liver fibrosis and determine the risk factors for developing liver fibrosis.

Methods

Electronic searches were conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from the dates of their inception till May 2022, using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Any observational study describing the prevalence and/or risk factors for liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis was included.

Results

Patients with psoriasis at high risk for advanced liver fibrosis had a pooled prevalence of 9.66% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.92-12.75%, I ² = 76.34%], whereas patients at low risk for advanced liver fibrosis had a pooled prevalence of 77.79% (95% CI: 73.23-82.05%, I ² = 85.72%). Studies that recruited methotrexate (MTX)-naïve patients found a lower prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis (4.44, 95% CI: 1.17-9.22%, I ² = 59.34%) than those that recruited MTX-user cohorts (12.25, 95% CI: 6.02-20.08%, I ² = 82.34%). Age, sex, BMI, PASI score, psoriasis duration, MTX cumulative dose, and the prevalence of obesity, MTX users, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome were not identified as sources of heterogeneity by meta-regression analysis. The pooled odds ratios for age >50 years, BMI > 30, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome were 2.20 (95% CI: 1.42-3.40, I ² = 0%), 3.67 (95% CI: 2.37-5.68, I ² = 48.8%), 6.23 (95% CI: 4.39-8.84, I ² = 42.4%), 2.82 (95% CI: 1.68-4.74, I ² = 0%), 3.08 (95% CI: 1.90-4.98, I ² = 0%), and 5.98 (95% CI: 3.63-9.83, I ² = 17%), respectively.

Conclusion

Approximately 10% of the population with psoriasis is at high risk for advanced liver fibrosis, while 78% are at low risk. Patients over the age of 50 with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of developing liver fibrosis, necessitating monitoring.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022303886], identifier [CRD42022303886].

Review of existing evidence demonstrates that methotrexate does not cause liver fibrosis

It has long been believed that methotrexate in therapeutic doses causes progressive liver injury resulting in advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Historically, this was a common indication for serial liver biopsy. However, new evidence suggests that methotrexate may not be a direct cause of liver injury; rather the injury and fibrosis attributed to methotrexate may be mediated by other mechanisms, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The recent widespread use of non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis has provided new evidence supporting this hypothesis. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to determine whether methotrexate is indeed a direct cause of liver injury. For the meta-analysis portion, a comprehensive literature search was performed to identify manuscripts relevant to the topic. Of the 138 studies examined, 20 met our inclusion criteria. However, only 3 studies had sufficient homogeneity to allow aggregation. Thus, the remainder of the study was dedicated to a critical review of all studies relevant to the topic with particular attention to populations examined, risk factors, and assessment of injury and/or fibrosis. Meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant association between methotrexate dose and liver fibrosis. Individual studies reported fibrosis related to confounding factors such as diabetes, obesity, pre-existing chronic liver disease but not methotrexate exposure. In conclusion, existing evidence demonstrates that advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis previously attributed to methotrexate are in fact caused by metabolic liver disease or other chronic liver diseases, but not by methotrexate itself. This observation should direct the care of patients treated with long-term methotrexate.

The Association Between Chronic Plaque Psoriasis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Indian Patients: Results of a Pilot Study

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis with potential to cause systemic disease by triggering dysmetabolism, such as metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We studied the relationship and associations between NAFLD and clinical features, including age, gender, disease duration, and severity of psoriasis in our patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised 61 (m:f, 43:19) patients without pre-existing comorbidities and matched 24 (m:f, 16:8) healthy controls aged between 20 and 68 years. Disease severity was graded as mild, moderate, and severe by psoriasis area and severity index score and body surface area (BSA) involvement. The grades of fatty liver and liver fibrosis were assessed using liver ultrasonography (USG) and transitional vibration-controlled elastography (Fibroscan).

Results

Overall, 67.2% of patients were aged >40 years, and the duration of disease was <5years in 60.7% of patients. Mild and moderate to severe psoriasis occurred in 78.7% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. BSA was >10% in 57.5% patients. The proportion of NAFLD was 27.9% and 32.8% by USG and Fibroscan compared with 20.8% in controls. Statistically, there was no significant difference or association between the prevalence of NAFLD among patients and controls, and gender, age (mean ± standard deviation, 47.5 ± 13.8 vs. 45.2 ± 15.7), duration, severity of psoriasis, and arthritis between psoriatic patients with and without NAFLD.

Conclusion

This was a pilot study because of the numerosity of sample and highlights trends for possible link between psoriasis and NAFLD, but the results need cautious interpretation and clinical application. Whether NAFLD can be attributed to overall systemic inflammatory process of psoriasis or it occurs as an epiphenomenon of concurrent metabolic syndrome needs elucidation with well-designed studies. Cross-sectional study design, small number of patients, and controls remain major limitations. The study did not compare its findings with liver biopsy.

Evaluation of liver elasticity with shear-wave elastography in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients receiving methotrexate

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice disease-modifying drug in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treatment. Methotrexate is metabolized in the liver and can cause liver toxicity and fibrosis with long-term use. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive method and can detect liver fibrosis by evaluating the liver elasticity. The aim of this study was to assess liver stiffness and detect if there is an increase in liver stiffness or fibrosis findings with the non-invasive SWE method in JIA patients under MTX treatment.

METHOD

The study included 49 JIA patients under MTX treatment and 48 healthy controls, matched for age and sex with a body mass index below the 95th percentile. The demographic data and clinical characteristics of patients were obtained from medical records. Liver function tests were evaluated, and liver tissue stiffness measurements were performed with SWE.

RESULTS

Of the 49 patients, 67.35% were girls and the mean age was 10.69 (±4.33) years. The duration of MTX treatment was 23.00 (1-80) months, and the cumulative dose of MTX was 1,280.867 mg (±934.2) in the patient group. There was no statistically significant difference in liver stiffness between patients receiving MTX and healthy controls (P = 0.313). There was no relationship between MTX duration, cumulative dose, route of administration, and liver stiffness. Only gamma glutamyl transferase values were weakly correlated with liver stiffness (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not detect an increase in liver tissue stiffness in JIA patients using methotrexate in comparison with controls.

Usefulness of noninvasive diagnostic procedures for assessment of methotrexate hepatotoxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Methotrexate (MTX) is recommended as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are no strict guidelines regarding monitoring for liver damage in RA patients. This study aimed to evaluate noninvasive diagnostic procedures in assessing liver fibrosis in RA patients. Ninety-six RA patients were recruited for this study. The procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) serum level was measured in all patients. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF-1) was calculated for 82 patients. Transient elastography (TE) was performed in 91 patients, those examined were divided into two groups: a study and control group, comprising patients with and without risk factors for liver fibrosis, respectively. The TE result correlated only with the body mass index-BMI (p < 0.05); there was no correlation with the cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.33). The TE result was significantly higher in those with risk factors for liver fibrosis than in those without risk factors (TE result >  = 7.1 kPa 28/42 vs 13/41, HR = 2.103, Mann-Whitney U test, approximately 0.02). There was a positive correlation between the PIIINP level and body weight (p = 0.028), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007), RA activity (p = 0.028) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the ELF-1 score and age (p < 0.001), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007) and RA activity (p < 0.001). The PIIINP level and ELF-1 score are not organ specific, and readings may vary depending on RA activity. TE is organ specific and can be performed by a skilled ultrasonographer might be useful to assess actual liver condition.

Utility and Limitations of Transient Elastography to Monitor Hepatic Steatosis, Hepatic Fibrosis, and Methotrexate-Associated Hepatic Disease in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is associated with hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and methotrexate-associated liver injury. There is a need for reliable methods to monitor liver disease in psoriasis. Transient elastography (TE) is a validated non-invasive method for assessing hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Psoriasis-specific TE studies have been limited until recently. Here, we review the utility and limitations of TE to detect and monitor liver disease in the context of psoriasis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search using OVID, PubMed, and gray literature was conducted (2005-November 2019) to identify studies of TE use in psoriasis for assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 1,536 patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis were represented. TE-detected liver fibrosis is associated with age, diabetes, obesity, and severity of psoriasis. TE successfully evaluates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Elastography has a high negative predictive value and specificity in the context of methotrexate-associated liver fibrosis in psoriasis; however, reported associations between abnormal elastography results and cumulative methotrexate dose varied significantly despite methotrexate's association with hepatotoxicity and fibrosis. The presence of central adiposity is associated with increased TE failure rate.

LIMITATION

The TE studies included in this review date from 2007 to 2019, which could contribute to publication bias, as the technique of TE has improved over this time period.

CONCLUSION

TE is a useful and non-invasive modality to detect hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in psoriasis. Dermatologists might consider TE in psoriatic patients and concomitant risk factors for fibrosis with the understanding that failure rates may be higher in patients with central adiposity.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with intestinal, pulmonary or skin diseases: Inflammatory cross-talk that needs a multidisciplinary approach

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered the most common cause of liver disease. Its prevalence is increasing in parallel with the obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) epidemics in developed countries. Several recent studies have suggested that NAFLD may be the hepatic manifestation of a systemic inflammatory metabolic disease that also affects other organs, such as intestine, lungs, skin and vascular endothelium. It appears that local and systemic proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine imbalance, together with insulin resistance and changes in the intestinal microbiota, are pathogenic mechanisms shared by NAFLD and other comorbidities. NAFLD is more common in patients with extrahepatic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obstructive syndrome apnea (OSA) and psoriasis than in the general population. Furthermore, there is evidence that this association has a negative impact on the severity of liver lesions. Specific risk characteristics for NAFLD have been identified in populations with IBD (i.e. age, obesity, DM2, previous bowel surgery, IBD evolution time, methotrexate treatment), OSA (i.e. obesity, DM2, OSA severity, increased transaminases) and psoriasis (i.e. age, metabolic factors, severe psoriasis, arthropathy, elevated transaminases, methotrexate treatment). These specific phenotypes might be used by gastroenterologists, pneumologists and dermatologists to create screening algorithms for NAFLD. Such algorithms should include non-invasive markers of fibrosis used in NAFLD to select subjects for referral to the hepatologist. Prospective, controlled studies in NAFLD patients with extrahepatic comorbidities are required to demonstrate a causal relationship and also that appropriate multidisciplinary management improves these patients’ prognosis and survival.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Hepatic Fibrosis in Psoriatic Patients Receiving Methotrexate with Concomitant Acitretin Therapy and Methotrexate Monotherapy

Background

The use of methotrexate-acitretin (MTX-ACI) combination therapy in treating psoriasis has been limited due to concerns related to hepatic fibrosis. However, in vitro evidence revealed a protective effect of acitretin in methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver fibrosis.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the real-life incidence of hepatic fibrosis in patients with psoriasis receiving MTX-ACI and MTX monotherapy and to investigate factors associated with hepatic fibrosis in MTX-exposed patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on a real-life registry containing data on patients with psoriasis who were administered MTX-ACI or MTX between 2008 and 2019 and underwent transient elastography according to cumulative MTX dose of 1.0–1.5 g and/or 3.5–4.0 g. Time-to-event analysis was performed to determine the cumulative incidence, incidence rate, and factors potentially affecting the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis.

Results

Of the 160 patients, 32 (20%) were treated with MTX-ACI, and 128 (80%) with MTX alone. Four patients (12.5%) in MTX-ACI group and 21 (16.4%) in MTX group developed hepatic fibrosis (p = 0.59). There was no statistically significant difference in cumulative incidence (16% in MTX-ACI vs 17% in MTX, p = 0.89) and incidence rate (37 cases per 1000 person-year in MTX-ACI vs 23 cases per 1000 person-year in MTX; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07; p = 0.90) of hepatic fibrosis between the two groups. Diabetes and obesity were identified as significant factors associated with hepatic fibrosis (adjusted HR = 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–5.51; p = 0.04 and adjusted HR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.18–9.16; p = 0.02, respectively) regardless of the cumulative MTX dose.

Conclusion

The incidence of hepatic fibrosis in a real-life clinical situation, determined by transient elastography in patients with psoriasis receiving MTX-ACI, was not increased compared to those receiving MTX monotherapy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were identified as risk factors of hepatic fibrosis; hence, patients with these factors receiving long-term MTX therapy should be regularly monitored for this particular event.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with bacterial translocation and a higher inflammation response in psoriatic patients

Psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are both inflammatory diseases. The study objective was to estimate the risk of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis (by liver stiffness and liver biopsy) in patients with psoriasis and to determine the epidemiological, clinical, immunological (TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-β) characteristics, and bacterial translocation. Of the 215 psoriatic patients included, 91 presented NAFLD (prevalence: 42.3%). Compared to patients with psoriasis alone, those with NAFLD were significantly more likely to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ≥ 2.15, and greater psoriasis area severity index. NAFLD patients also had significantly higher levels of TNF-α (p = 0.002) and TGF-β (p = 0.007) and a higher prevalence of bacterial translocation (29.7% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.004). Liver stiffness measurement was over 7.8 kPa in 17.2% (15/87) of NAFLD patients; 13 of these underwent liver biopsy, and 5.7% (5/87) had liver fibrosis, while 1.1% (1/87) had advanced fibrosis or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In conclusion the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with psoriasis is high and associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome features, bacterial translocation and a higher pro-inflammatory state. It is worth mentioning that liver fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are not frequent in this population of patients.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and psoriasis - is there a shared proinflammatory network?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease that is not limited to the skin but may be associated with arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome including diabetes and obesity and, as identified more recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that occurs in approximately 50 % of all patients with psoriasis. NAFLD is characterized by accumulation of fat in hepatocytes in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Over the last two decades, NAFLD has developed to the most common chronic liver disease with an estimated prevalence of 25 % in the Western population. NAFLD ranges from non-inflammatory or bland hepatic steatosis to inflammation of hepatic tissue (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and consecutive liver fibrosis. It is controversial whether the underlying systemic inflammation of psoriasis is contributing to development of NAFLD or if comorbid diseases such as obesity enhance NAFLD development. Recent findings indicate that cytokine-mediated inflammation through TNFα, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17 might be the common link between psoriasis and NAFLD. Considering the shared inflammatory pathways, IL-17 pharmacological blockade, which is already well-established for psoriasis, may be a promising strategy to treat both psoriasis and NAFLD. Therefore, early detection of NAFLD and a better understanding of its pathophysiology in the context of the systemic inflammation in psoriasis is important with regard to individualized treatment approaches.

Prevalence of liver fibrosis by Fibroscan in patients on long-term methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Data on the long-term use of methotrexate (MTX) causing liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is sparse. Liver biopsy is the gold standard to assess fibrosis but is an invasive procedure. Transient elastography (TE) by Fibroscan is a noninvasive validated tool to detect and quantify liver fibrosis. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of liver fibrosis by Fibroscan in patients with RA on long-term MTX therapy and its correlation with cumulative dose of MTX.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included adult patients (≥ 18 years age) of RA who had been on MTX for ≥ 3 years. The patients' records were reviewed, and the cumulative dose of MTX was calculated. Liver fibrosis was assessed by TE method, and the cutoff value of 7.1 kPa (kilopascal) was considered abnormal (liver fibrosis). Spearman's rank test was used to assess the correlation between the cumulative dose of MTX and Fibroscan score.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were enrolled of which 69 were females (92%). The mean age was 47.2 ± 11.3 years. The mean body mass index and waist circumference were 24.8 ± 3.9 kg/m² and 91.6 ± 9.9 cm, respectively. The median duration and cumulative dose of MTX were 336 weeks (interquartile range,144-912 weeks) and 6300 mg (interquartile range, 2400-22,000 mg), respectively. The mean liver stiffness was 5.22 ± 2.03 kPa. Twelve patients (16%) had Fibroscan score ≥ 7.1 kPa, of which 3 patients had severe liver stiffness (9.5 to 12.5 kPa) and one patient had liver stiffness in the range of cirrhosis (> 12.5 kPa). Fibroscan scores significantly correlated with cumulative dose of MTX (r= 0.30, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term MTX therapy in RA was associated with increased liver stiffness on Fibroscan. Key Points • Fibroscan is a useful tool for monitoring MTX-induced liver fibrosis. • Liver fibrosis as evidenced by increased liver stiffness on Fibroscan is prevalent among patients on long-term MTX therapy for RA.

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver and liver fibrosis in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis: A cross-sectional cohort study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Several studies have reported that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more frequent in patients with psoriasis, but few have reviewed the presence of liver fibrosis in those patients.

METHODS

Cross-sectional cohort, single-centre study, continuously selecting all patients with moderate-severe psoriasis seen at the Psoriasis Unit of a Tertiary Hospital. The grade of liver steatosis was assessed using liver ultrasound, and the quantity of liver fibrosis was graded using a transitional vibration-controlled elastography (Fibroscan®).

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients (66.2% male) were included, with an average age of 46.6 years old. The maximum historical PASI average was 14.4 while the baseline PASI average at the time of the study was 2. A third (36%) of patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome 52% of patients had steatosis; being male, having metabolic syndrome comorbidities, elevated AST/ALT enzymes, dyslipidemia and high initial PASI were significantly related. 14% of patients had moderate liver fibrosis (≥7.6 KPa). In 30% of them, no ultrasound liver steatosis was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Elastography may be a useful tool along with ultrasound to evaluate liver disease in patients with psoriasis.

Abdominal Obesity as a Predictive Factor of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Assessed by Ultrasonography and Transient Elastography in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Healthy Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) share similar clinical presentations including obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic abnormality. The predictive factors of NAFLD in women with PCOS and specifically in Asian women are not well established. Associated factors for NAFLD assessed by ultrasound (US) among a group of PCOS and healthy women were determined and diagnostic accuracy between US and transient elastography (TE) for NAFLD was compared and correlated. Sixty-three women with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years participated in the present cross-sectional study. Forty-two women with PCOS as diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria and 21 healthy women were recruited into the study. Women with underlying hepatic diseases and history of alcohol consumption >20 g/day were excluded. Biochemical and hormonal testing, anthropometrics, liver US, and TE were assessed. Waist circumference (WC) greater than 80 cm was the only predictive factor for NAFLD as assessed by US in the whole group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85–16.26, p <0.001). The value of the TE-based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was significantly correlated with stage of steatosis as assessed by US (correlation coefficient = 0.696, p <0.001). The diagnostic accuracies of dichotomized CAP ≥236 dB/m assessed for NAFLD using US as the gold standard were 84% and 78% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, with the area under the curve at 0.81 (p <0.001). Abdominal obesity, rather than the presence of PCOS, was shown to be the independently associated factor for NAFLD. WC could be used as the primary screening tool before performing complicated intervention for detection of steatosis. TE is an alternative noninvasive detection tool in women with PCOS for NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis identification.

Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with awareness and attention to comorbidities

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease that affects up to 3.2% of the US population. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and care, providing recommendations on the basis of available evidence.

Type 2 diabetes and psoriasis: links and risks

Psoriasis (PsO) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with a world prevalence of 2%-4%. The increasing knowledge of the mechanisms driving PsO has raised focus on existing links to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We reviewed the existing literature of the prevalence and risk of T2D in patients with PsO. The studies reviewed were mainly large retrospective cohort and case-control studies, showing an increased prevalence of T2D in PsO patients compared to controls, particularly in late onset (type 2) PsO. T2D prevalence did not correlate to patient age or severity of PsO in the reviewed studies. Conclusively, T2D was found to be more prevalent in patients with PsO compared to the background population. Several mechanisms involved in lipid transportation seem to be upregulated in PsO patients. Physicians play a key role concerning information about known comorbidity and promotion of early prophylaxis in patients with PsO.

Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and clinical studies

BACKGROUND

Wide-ranging prevalence estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched 3 databases for studies reporting on the prevalence or incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. A proportion meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled proportion estimates of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 studies examining 976,408 patients with psoriasis were included. Overall, the pooled proportion (95% confidence interval [CI]) of PsA among patients with psoriasis was 19.7% (95% CI, 18.5%-20.9%). In children and adolescents (<18 years of age), the pooled prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.9%). The PsA prevalence was 22.7% (95% CI, 20.6%-25.0%) in European patients with psoriasis, 21.5% (95% CI, 15.4%-28.2%) in South American patients with psoriasis, 19.5% (95% CI, 17.1%-22.1%) in North American patients with psoriasis, 15.5% (95% CI, 0.009%-51.5%) in African patients with psoriasis, and 14.0% (95% CI, 95% CI, 11.7%-16.3%) in Asian patients with psoriasis. The prevalence of PsA was 23.8% (95% CI, 20.1%-27.6%) in studies in which the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis were applied. The incidence of PsA among patients with psoriasis ranged from 0.27 to 2.7 per 100 person-years.

LIMITATIONS

Between-study heterogeneity may have affected the estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that 1 in 4 patients with psoriasis have PsA. With the growing recognition of the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis, more homogenous and comparable prevalence estimates are expected to be reported.

Monitoring methotrexate-induced liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis: utility of transient elastography

Increasingly, existing evidence indicates that methotrexate-associated liver injury is related to comorbid risk factors such as diabetes, alcoholism, and obesity, rather than to methotrexate itself. Despite this fact, significant effort continues to be expended in the monitoring of low-dose methotrexate in patients with psoriasis. The gold standard investigation has been liver biopsy, but this is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As methotrexate-induced liver injury is uncommon, the risk/benefit ratio of liver biopsy has been questioned. Fortunately, a number of new technologies have been developed for the diagnosis of chronic liver disease, including transient elastography (TE). TE is a type of shear wave ultrasound elastography, which measures the speed of shear waves used to estimate hepatic tissue stiffness. Several meta-analyses show very high pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis (87% and 91%, respectively) in a variety of chronic liver disorders. It has a negative predictive value for cirrhosis of >90% and a positive predictive value of 75%. Recent European guidelines now advocate the use of TE as the first-line test for the assessment of fibrosis in alcohol- or hepatitis-related liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, including NAFLD, is significantly elevated in patients with psoriasis, TE may be worth considering as a routine investigation for any patient with psoriasis. Although high-quality studies comparing TE with standard liver biopsy in the monitoring of psoriatics on low-dose methotrexate are lacking, the evidence from multiple small cohort studies and case series demonstrates its effectiveness. A recent Australasian position statement recommends that TE should be considered as a routine investigation for monitoring methotrexate therapy, repeated every 3 years if kPa <7.5 and yearly if kPa >7.5. Liver biopsy should be considered for patients with a kPa >9.5.