Frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a commonly seen benign skin tumor which is characterized by brown-black colored papule or plaques. Although its etiology is not known, UV and infections are among the possible causes that are blamed. Seborrheic keratosis is commonly found with acrochordon and acanthosis nigrigans which have endocrinologic and metabolic risk factors. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between seborrheic keratosis and metabolic syndrome.The present study included 200 participants, 100 patients with seborrheic keratosis and 100 patients as control group, who referred to AIBU between August 2010 and August 2011. Patients with endocrinological disorders which can cause obesity such as acromegaly or Cushing?s syndrome, patients using drugs which can cause insulin resistance, pregnant women and patients with secondary hypertension are excluded. Waist circumference, weight, height and blood pressure levels of all patients were measured and fasting plasma glucose, TG, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL levels were performed. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made using the criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation.When compared to control group, metabolic syndrome frequency was higher among patients with seborrheic keratosis (p<0.001). In patient group waist circumference, BMI, FPG, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, VLDL levels were statistically significant.As a result, in our study, metabolic syndrome frequency in seborrheic keratosis patients was significantly higher than age matched control group (71% vs 32% respectively). 61% of our patients had seborrheic keratosis and acrochordon together. There was a meaningful correlation between gaining weight and frequency of seborrheic keratosis and acrochordon. However there was not a meaningful correlation between the number and location of seborrheic keratosis and metabolic syndrome frequency. New studies on the effects of endocrinological and immunological changes due to metabolic syndrome in the etiology of seborrheic keratosis will be useful in clarifying the etiology of seborrheic keratosis