Psoriasis and hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus antibody [HCV-Ab] was assessed in 30 patients with psoriasis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Also, liver function tests were done for patients [30 patients] and normal controls [60 persons]. Liver enzymes [ALT, AST and ALP] were significantly increased in psoriatic patients when compared with controls. Hepatitis C virus antibody was positive in 11 psoriatic patients and only nine persons of normal controls. It was concluded that HCV may have a role in the pathogenesis in a subgroup of psoriatic patients