Weight-Adjusted Waist Index, Psoriasis, and All-Cause Mortality: Findings from the NHANES 2003-2006 and 2009-2014

Purpose: Psoriasis is associated with obesity, which in turn is linked to increased mortality risk. Therefore, we undertook a cohort study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the impact of weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) on the likelihood of all-cause mortality in psoriasis individuals.

Patients and methods: This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to investigate the influence of WWI on the probability of all-cause mortality in psoriasis individuals. A retrospective cohort analysis included 19,919 participants aged 18 to 80 years, with or without psoriasis. The primary endpoint studied was all-encompassing mortality up to December 2019. The interplay between WWI and psoriasis was analyzed through multivariable logistic regression techniques. Survival probabilities were assessed employing Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses.

Results: Out of the 19,919 subjects that we eventually included, 522 had psoriasis. Psoriasis and WWI were found to be significantly positively correlated. A significant correlation was found between an incremental unit increase in WWI and a 63% increased risk of all-cause mortality risk in psoriasis patients (HR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.02-2.61). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent findings within the psoriasis population. These findings suggest an independent impact of WWI on psoriasis risk and mortality.

Conclusion: Our investigation revealed that there is a strong positive correlation between WWI and all-cause mortality in US psoriasis adults. For those with psoriasis, managing WWI, or obesity, is crucial.