Dyslipidaemia in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition, with emerging evidence suggesting its association with meta
bolic comorbidities.

Aims: To evaluate the serum lipid profile in patients with acne vulgaris, compare it with  controls, and assess its correlation with disease severity and duration.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 patients with acne vulgaris and 100 healthy controls. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. Acne severity was evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System. Statistical analyses employed the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc analysis, and Spearman rank correlation.

Results: The cases and controls exhibited comparable sex distribution (p = 0.109). Serum total cholesterol (168.0 vs. 152.8 mg/dL, p = 
0.0002) and triglycerides (148.0 vs. 116.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in cases compared to controls. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in cases (78.0 vs. 86.2 mg/dL, p = 0.040), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 
was significantly elevated (52.0 vs. 38.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased progressively with acne severity (all p < 0.001), with the severe group differing significantly from milder groups. Both disease duration and acne severity correlated positively with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; acne severity showed an inverse correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is associated with a dyslipidemic pattern characterized by elevated total cholesterol and triglycerides, dependent on both disease severity and duration. Routine lipid screening may be advisable, particularly for patients presenting with moderate-to-severe manifestations of the disease.