Acrochordons and autoimmunity: Significance of preconceptional counseling


Beksac B., DÖNMEZ H. G., Cagan M., Unal C., FADILOĞLU E., Beksac M. S.

Human Antibodies, vol.28, no.4, pp.335-339, 2020 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.3233/hab-200426
  • Journal Name: Human Antibodies
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.335-339
  • Keywords: acrochordon, Autoimmune disease, obstetric complications, pregnancy, skin tag
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acrochordons are benign hypertrophic lesions of the skin of which the pathophysiology is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of acrochordons with autoimmune disorders in patients with a poor obstetric history. METHODS: This retrospective cohort involved 350 female patients with poor obstetric history who were included in a preconceptional care program to investigate risk factors for obstetric complications. These patients were further investigated for the co-existence of autoimmune disorders (defined by either a diagnosis of autoimmune diseases or autoimmune antibody positivity) and acrochordons. RESULTS: An autoimmune disorder was present in 55.7% (195/350) of the patients. The rate of acrochordons was significantly higher in patients with autoimmune disorders (n= 195) compared to the control group (n= 155) (8.21% versus 2.58%, respectively) (p= 0.043). When the autoimmune disease positive (n= 58) and autoimmune antibody-positive (n= 137) groups were separately analyzed, acrochordons were found more frequently in the autoimmune disease group (p= 0.004). However, there was no statistically significant co-occurrence of autoimmune antibody positivity and the presence of skin tags (p= 0.135). CONCLUSION: There may be immune system-related biological mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of acrochordons. Preconceptional counseling is beneficial for women with poor obstetric history and acrochordons.