The efficacy of metformin for the treatment of psoriasis: a meta-analysis study
Abstract
Introduction Metformin has potential in treating patients with psoriasis, and this meta-analysis aims to explore the impact of metformin supplementation on treatment efficacy for psoriasis. Material and methods The PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched, and we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of metformin on treatment efficacy for patients with psoriasis. Results Three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention for psoriasis, metformin intervention resulted in significantly increased psoriasis area severity index (PASI) 75% reduction (odds ratio (OR) = 22.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12 to 228.49; p = 0.01), and erythema, scaling and induration (ESI) 75% reduction (OR = 9.12; 95% CI: 2.13 to 39.02; p = 0.003), and was associated with substantially decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG, standard mean difference (SMD) = –0.59; 95% CI: –0.92 to –0.26; p = 0.0005), triglycerides (SMD = –0.92; 95% CI: –1.38 to –0.47; p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (SMD = –0.77; 95% CI: –1.22 to –0.32; p = 0.00008), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, SMD = –0.67; 95% CI: –1.12 to –0.23; p = 0.003). Conclusions Metformin supplementation effectively improves treatment efficacy and metabolic syndrome in psoriasis patients.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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