Authors of a review of the relationship between psoriasis and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) suggest that kidney risk may increase with psoriasis severity. One population-based study found that patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis had a significantly higher risk of developing IgAN (HR, 4.75). A retrospective study of patients with psoriasis-associated IgAN linked more severe skin disease with lower eGFR, greater proteinuria, more aggressive kidney pathology, and a higher likelihood of progression to end-stage kidney disease. Genetic and transcriptomic studies also suggest shared inflammatory mechanisms between the two diseases.
Potential links include IL-17, TNF-α, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB signaling, as well as abnormal IgA1 glycosylation and systemic inflammation. Although much of the mechanistic and treatment evidence remains preliminary, the authors recommend a low threshold for kidney screening in patients with long-standing, moderate-to-severe, or arthropathic psoriasis. Routine urinalysis, serum creatinine, and eGFR may help identify renal involvement earlier, while larger international studies are needed to clarify which patients face the greatest risk and how best to manage those with both conditions.
Reference: Tang Z, Wu J, Dong M, Li C, Wang R. Deciphering the Underlying Mechanisms Linking Psoriasis and IgA Nephropathy. J Immunol Res. 2026;2026(1):e1862174. doi: 10.1155/jimr/1862174.
