Factors associated with dermatoporosis in a sample of geriatric patients in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION

Dermatoporosis is a chronic cutaneous fragility syndrome, characterized by skin atrophy, purpura and pseudo-cicatrices.

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with dermatoporosis in a sample of subjects aged ≥ 60 years.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study of subjects aged ≥ 60 years who underwent history taking, physical examination and application of a self-administered dermatoporosis diagnostic questionnaire. To determine the associated factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

In 315 evaluated subjects, the prevalence of dermatoporosis was 29%; 70% were females. Associated risk factors were age > 75 years (p = 0.001), prolonged sun exposure (p = 0.002), use of anticoagulants/antiplatelet medications (p = 0.004), oral steroids (p = 0.03) and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.03), as well as maternal age > 40 years at last pregnancy (p = 0.02), breastfeeding for > 7 months per pregnancy and > 18 cumulative months (p = 0.01). Age < 20 years at first pregnancy and menopause after 45 years were related to dermatoporosis absence. The correlation between self-assessment and clinical diagnosis was considerably high (0.95, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors associated with dermatoporosis were similar to those previously reported.