Metabolic syndrome is associated with excessive scarring: A prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank

The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and excessive scarring risk remains unclear.

To examine the association of MetS and its components with excessive scarring.

Using data from 466,625 UK Biobank participants, we conducted multivariable Cox regression to assess this relationship. Stratified analyses were performed by gender, age, and ethnicity.

During a median follow-up of 13.65 years, 714 new cases of excessive scarring were identified. After adjusting for confounders, patients with MetS had an increased risk of excessive scarring (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08-1.52). Specifically, increased waist circumference (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-1.76), hypertension (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08-1.55), high triglycerides (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06-1.46), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08-1.49) were all linked to higher risk. Additionally, risk rose with the number of MetS components present. Sensitivity analyses using alternative MetS definitions yielded consistent results. Stratified analyses showed stronger associations in males, individuals under 60 years, and White participants.

No verification in other ascertained populations.

This study indicates that MetS is associated with an elevated risk of excessive scarring, underscoring the potential benefit of MetS management in scarring prevention.