The association between acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) has been reported anecdotally.

The purpose of a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology was to estimate the association between AKN and the MS and its components, utilizing one of the largest cohorts of patients with AKN.

This was a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study, performed between 2005 and 2018. The study utilized the database of the largest public healthcare provider organization in Israel—collected from general community clinics, primary care and referral centers, as well as from ambulatory and hospital care.

Overall, 2677 patients with AKN and 13,190 controls were included. The results showed that the prevalence of the MS was greater in patients with AKN than in controls. Obesity showed the strongest association with AKN, followed by type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Moreover, estimates did not alter significantly after controlling for putative confounding factors.

Hence, a strong association was observed between AKN and the MS on the one hand, with every one of its four components on the other. Therefore, physicians treating patients with AKN should be aware of this possible comorbidity. Patients with AKN should be carefully assessed for comorbid metabolic disorders.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2020 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s40257-020-00541-z.