Coeliac disease-associated antibodies correlate with psoriasis activity.

BACKGROUND

Antigliadin antibodies (AGA) have been reported in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if AGA and other coeliac disease (CD)-associated antibodies correlate with clinical features and activity in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Patients with psoriasis (n = 130) were investigated for serum IgG and IgA AGA, IgA antitransglutaminase antibody and IgA antiendomysial antibody. Disease characteristics and associated bowel and joint symptoms were determined. All patients were invited to undertake endoscopy with duodenal biopsy.

RESULTS

A significantly higher proportion of patients with elevated CD-associated antibody levels was currently on or had previously required systemic immunosuppressants (methotrexate, ciclosporin or etretinate; P = 0.04) or psoralen plus ultraviolet A phototherapy (P = 0.03). One case of CD was diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of CD-associated antibodies in psoriasis patients correlates with greater disease activity.