Serum Selenium in Psoriatic Patients

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Psoriasis is a common skin disorder affecting 1% to 3% of the population all over the world. Many etiological factors have been implicated but trace elements, especially selenium, may play an important role.Objective: This study was done to evaluate the serum level of selenium in patients with psoriasis and it's relation to clinical types, duration and surface area of the disease.Patients & Methods: Fifty patients (25 males & 25 females) with different ages and different types of psoriasis were chosen for this study. Also 50 non-psoriatic volunteers, sex and age matched were served as controls, evaluated for serum selenium level.Results: The result of this study has shown that 94% of psoriatic patients have low serum selenium compared with 4% among controls (P=0.0006). The type of psoriasis may have an effect on serum Selenium (P=0.025), the lowest mean serum selenium is found in plaque (non-scalp, non-palmo-planter) psoriasis (58% of patients). The higher extent of body involvements is associated significantly with reduced serum selenium (P=0.0004).Conclusion: From this study we can conclude that selenium deficiency may play a role in psoriasis since most patients (94%) have low serum level.