Correlation BetweenTonsillectomy and Psoriasis –Our Experience

Introduction and Background:Psoriasis is chronic immunological, inflammatory disease characterised by remissions and exacerbations. Streptococcal tonsillopharyngits acts as significant trigger for psoriasis or even lead to new onset possibly by sensitizing T-cells to keratin epitomes in the skin. Palatine tonsills generate autoreactive T-cells which forms the basis for tonsillectomy as one of the treatment options for psoriasis.Aim:Aim of the present study was to understand the role of tonsills, Streptococcal tonsillopharyngitsin Psoriasis and establishing correlation between tonsillectomy and reduction in severity ofpsoriasis.Materials and Methods:Eighty-six psoriasis patients who had exacerbation after recurrent attacks of tonsillopharyngits were selected for the study and out of these, 43 patients were subjected to tonsillectomy. Disease course was followed for one year and disease severity was assessed by observer blinded dermatologist using psoriasis area and severity index score (PASI). Results:The results showed that, 83% patients who underwent Tonsillectomy had a significant reduction in PASI score ranging from 45-90% whereas no improvement was observed in control group. Most patients experienced improvement at 3 months and maintained improvement for one year. Majority of patients showed 50% reduction in psoriatic lesions, experienced improvement at 3 months and maintained improvement for one year.