Antihypertensive drugs do not cause psoriasis

 

The association between use of beta-blockers and other antihypertensive drugs and the risk of developing a first-time diagnosis of psoriasis has been studied in a new large population-based case-control analysis. The findings do not support the current proposition that beta-blocker use is associated with an increased risk of developing a first-time psoriasis diagnosis, nor did it find evidence for a substantially altered psoriasis risk for other antihypertensive drugs. Furthermore, the findings provide evidence that cumulative exposure duration to beta-blockers is not a substantial risk factor for psoriasis. The study can not make a statement about the risk of an exacerbation of exiting psoriasis though, as this would require a different approach.

Drug-induced psoriasis vs. true psoriasis
In a recent review it was postulated that the origin and treatment of drug-induced psoriasis was different from true psoriasis. Histopathological and immunohistochemical differences between true psoriasis and beta-blocker-induced psoriasis were demonstrated. The mechanism by which beta-blockers might induce or exacerbate psoriasis is largely unknown.
Previous literature suggests an increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia) as well as other cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis. In the present study no increased prevalence of such diseases in patients with psoriasis prior to the first psoriasis diagnosis was found, but patients with psoriasis may develop such diseases after the onset of psoriasis.

Conclusion
In summary, the present population-based case-control study is the largest study so far to explore a possible association between use of beta-blockers or other antihypertensives and the risk of developing psoriasis. The findings provide evidence that use of beta-blockers or other antihypertensives does not substantially alter the risk of developing a first-time psoriasis diagnosis.

 

Kilde: Medscape