Evaluation of factors influencing xanthelasma palpebrarum in Chinese patients: A case-control study

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a yellow plaque lesion near the eyelid, which was previously found to be associated with dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and potential mechanisms underlying its development by analyzing body mass index (BMI), lipid levels, blood glucose, and blood type in affected individuals. A case-control study was conducted involving 44 patients with XP between 2019 and 2023 and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Data collection included medical history, BMI, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), blood glucose, and blood type. Patients were predominantly female (68.2%) and aged 45-50 years. Compared with healthy controls, patients exhibited significantly higher mean levels of TC and TG (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). Elevated TC and TG levels were more common in the XP group (TC: 50.0% vs 15.91%; TG: 25.0% vs 6.82%). Hyperglycemia was also more frequent (15.91% vs 0%, P < .05). However, there were no significant differences in mean BMI, blood glucose levels, or overweight prevalence. Blood type distributions were similar between the 2 groups, and no statistically significant differences were found. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TC, TG, BMI, and blood glucose were not found as independent risk factors for XP. The findings suggest that while dyslipidemia is associated with XP, its development is likely due to the combined influence of lipid abnormalities and genetic predisposition rather than any single clinical factor.