<b>Psoriasis linked to chronic kidney disease</b>

As if the itchy scales weren’t enough…People moderate to severe psoriasis are also at increased risk of developing kidney disease (CKD). Those with severe psoriasis are almost twice as likely to develop CKD, and four-times more likely to develop kidney failure requiring dialysis than those without the chronic skin disease. The risk is greatest for those with psoriasis affecting 3% or more of their surface skin.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by progressive loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys filter the blood. CKD often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages.

Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia discovered the first-time ever association between the two conditions. Their study results were published in the online version of <i>BMJ</i> (British Medical Journal). Researchers examined an electronic medical records database of nearly 144,000 people with the condition in the United Kingdom.