C-reactive protein to albumin ratio: Is a new parameter for the disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris?

Background: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is an inflammatory marker that is considered to have prognostic value in many inflammatory diseases. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between CAR value and disease severity in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The study included 70 plaque-type psoriasis patients and 67 healthy controls. CAR value was calculated after C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin analysis was performed, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were documented. CAR value was compared with PASI scores in patient group. White blood cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and mean platelet volume and CAR values were compared among these groups. We investigated the most significant parameter for disease severity. In addition, to detect relationship between CAR, disease duration and patients' age and healthy controls, correlation analysis was performed. Results: The median CAR value was found statistically significant higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). A significant difference of median CRP, albumin, CAR (all P values are <0.001) and ESR (P = 0.024) were found among the three groups which were arranged according to the severity of the disease. Among these parameters, CAR was found as the most associated parameter with the severity of psoriasis using receiving operator characteristic analysis. Conclusion: CAR value could be a useful parameter for evaluating disease severity, management of disease activity, and follow-up strategies.