Analysis of factors predisposing to the occurrence of psoriasis among patients qualified for cyclosporine A therapy – a pilot study

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of inflammatory as well as chronic nature, and periods of symptom exacerbation [1].
This paper analyses factors predisposing individuals to develop psoriasis: data mentioned in table 1 were collected from 32 patients (20 men – 63%, and 12 women – 37%) with diagnosed moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) classified to be treated with cyclosporine A during their first appointments.
All individuals participating in the study provided their informed voluntary written consent for participation and associated procedures. The study was conducted pursuant to the consent of Bioethical Committee of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland – Resolution No. KNW/0022/KB1/59/I/13/14 as of 27th May 2014.
Psoriasis should cease to be perceived as a skin disease only, and its diagnostics as well as treatment should not be limited to dermatology. It needs to be remembered that the majority of patients seek support at their GP’s and/or paediatrician’s in the first place. Thus, these physicians constitute the first and most important link between the patient and further specialist treatment. The analysis shows that men and women as well as youths and adults suffer from the disease, what is another premise for GPs to broaden their knowledge with regard to psoriasis.
Having compared factors causing psoriasis in the studied group (table 1), is may be concluded that stress and infections have the greatest influence on the incidence of psoriasis – 29 (91%) individuals, whereas mechanical injuries and surgeries are of lesser significance – 3 (9%) individuals.
Bacterial and viral superantigens may influence the mechanism of T-lymphocyte migration from capillary vessels to the epidermis as a result of stimulation skin lymphocyte receptors, what results in an induction of inflammation. Onset of psoriasis is often caused by an infection with various microorganisms, primarily streptococci and staphylococci [2, 3]. Hence, it appears that patients with numerous recurrent infections should be especially taken care of as they are at a higher risk to develop psoriasis. Children and teenagers in whom frequent bacterial infections or superinfections are observed constitute a group that is especially prone to infections. Streptococcal pharyngitis is a typical disease for this group of patients [4]. Thus, it is important for paediatricians to remember that psoriasis may be a complication of an...


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