Comorbidities in rosacea: A systematic review and update

Abstract

Background: Rosacea is linked to abnormalities of cutaneous vasculature and dysregulation of the inflammatory response. Recent reports on rosacea have shown a significant association with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric diseases, all of which may affect morbidity and mortality among these patients. Objective: To review available data regarding comorbidities associated with rosacea, discuss their pathogenesis, and highlight the evaluation of affected patients. Methods: We performed a complete and systematic literature review in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Collaboration databases, searching for all articles on possible associated diseases that have been reported with rosacea, with no limits on publication date, participant age, sex, or nationality. Results: A total of 29 studies were included in this systematic review, including 14 case-control, 8 cross-sectional, and 7 cohort studies. Statistically significant association with rosacea has been mostly demonstrated with depression (n = 117,848 patients), hypertension (n = 18,176), cardiovascular diseases (n = 9739), anxiety disorder (n = 9079), dyslipidemia (n = 7004), diabetes mellitus (n = 6306), migraine (n = 6136), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 4192), Helicobacter pylori infection (n = 1722), ulcerative colitis (n = 1424), and dementia (n = 1194). Limitations: Limitations included the accuracy of the published data, potential patient selection, and possible confounding factors. The true nature of the drawn correlations is uncertain, and causality cannot be established. Conclusions: Rosacea is associated with a number of systemic disorders. Recognition of these conditions is critical to providing appropriate screening and management of affected patients.