Different vitiligo characteristics as predictors of increased risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: A...

Autoimmune and metabolic disturbances have been reported in association with vitiligo, highlighting possible systemic associations that should be considered.

To assess the possible association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as insulin resistance (IR) with vitiligo in different age groups.

This case-control study included 142 patients with vitiligo aging ≥ 6 years and 142 age- and sex-matched controls. Participants were assessed for MetS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria in addition to IR via homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). The study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov, Identifier: NCT03622320, on August 9, 2018.

As per the IDF criteria, patients with vitiligo showed significantly more frequent association with high fasting plasma glucose levels, high blood pressure readings, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and MetS than controls (p = 0.020, p = 0.034, p = 0.014, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, patients with vitiligo have significantly higher levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (p ≤ 0.001). Results obtained from patients with vitiligo and controls with coexistent MetS/IR demonstrated vitiligo as a risk factor for both MetS and IR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression highlighted that older age was the significant independent predictor for MetS and IR.

Patients with vitiligo showed a significantly higher incidence of MetS than controls. Vitiligo per se can be considered a risk factor for MetS and IR. Therefore, regular follow-up and early metabolic derangement diagnoses are mandatory.