Co-Occurrence of Psoriasis and Asthma in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction

The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis and that of psoriasis in patients with asthma have increased, but relevant data for the pediatric population are lacking. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the pooled association between psoriasis and asthma in children and adolescents.

Methods

We conducted an extensive search of the medical literature databases through to July 2024. The estimated risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed.

Results

Three studies, involving 5310 children with psoriasis and 1,539,029 control participants, were included to evaluate the incidence of asthma in children with psoriasis. The meta-analysis indicated a significantly increased risk of asthma in children with psoriasis [RR 1.38 (95% CI, 1.28-1.49)]. Additionally, two studies involving 104,369 asthmatic children and 1,539,029 controls were included to evaluate the incidence of psoriasis in children with asthma. The meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in the risk of psoriasis in children with asthma [RR 1.17 (95% CI, 0.70-1.95)].

Conclusions

This meta-analysis offers evidence supporting the association between psoriasis and asthma in pediatric populations. Therefore, physicians should make patients aware of the connection between these two chronic diseases.