Prevalence and comorbidities of dermatoporosis: A French prospective observational study in general medicine consultation

Abstract

Dear Editor, The term dermatoporosis (DP) was detailed by JH. Saurat in 2007 to describe a chronic skin fragility syndrome 1,2 characterized by skin atrophy, pseudo-scars and senile purpura (Figure 1).DP appears from the age of 60 years old and can worsen with age. 2 Other factors also seem to be involved: genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, use of corticosteroids.The few published epidemiological studies report a prevalence ranging from 4% to 37.5% in patients aged 50 years and over. [3][4][5][6][7][8] These epidemiological data are heterogeneous (i.e. recruitment age, hospitalized or ambulatory patients).No clinical study has evaluated the prevalence of DP and the comorbidities often cited in adults aged 60 years and over in general practice consultations. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence among patients aged 60 years and older followed up in general medical practice in the East of France (Lorraine) and investigate potential associations with comorbidities or medication use.An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted between May and October 2022. We consecutively included, by half-day, all patients aged 60 years and over presenting to a general medical consultation among 20 volunteer practitioners from the four Lorraine departments. For each patient, the practitioner conducted a dermatological examination of the upper limbs. The following data were collected: demographic data, smoking status, diabetes, dermatological history, CRF (chronic renal failure), past sun exposure, Fitzpatrick phototype, treatments. If signs of DP were observed, photos were taken and reviewed by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.The characteristics of patients with DP were compared to those of patients without DP, using Fisher's exact tests (qualitative variables) or Wilcoxon non-parametric tests (quantitative variables), then using a multivariate logistic regression analysis (Table 1). The statistical significance threshold was set at 5%. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software (version 9.4).A total of 370 patients (195 women, 53%, mean age 72.6 ± 7.8, 60-95 years) were included.The overall prevalence of DP was 16% (n = 59, women 29%, mean age 77.5 ± 7.9).