Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio May Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriasis

Background Systemic inflammation beyond the skin may provide an explanation of the increased cardiovascular risk observed in psoriasis. It was hypothesized that neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are potential predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by aortic velocity propagation (AVP) and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) in psoriasis. Methods Fifty‐one patients with psoriasis taking no antipsoriatic therapy and 37 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was calculated. Complete blood counts were obtained. Measurements of AVP and CIMT were performed. Results The baseline clinical and demographic features, and white blood cell, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and PLR were similar in both groups. NLR and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were higher in the psoriasis group than the control group (P = 0.001, P