Analysis: Fibrotic Skin Diseases Linked to Elevated ASCVD Risk

Patients with fibrotic skin diseases may have an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), according to new real-world data from the TriNetX platform.

The study researchers conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using propensity score matching to adjust for confounding factors and Cox proportional hazards models for outcomes assessment. Scleroderma was most strongly associated with ASCVD, with more than double the risk (HR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.97 to 3.21) vs. matched controls. Other conditions associated with increased ASCVD risk hypertrophic scars (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.63), morphea (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.08), and lichen sclerosus (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.62).

“Individuals with fibrotic skin conditions, including scleroderma, hypertrophic scars, morphea, and lichen sclerosis, demonstrate an increased risk of ASCVD,” the authors wrote. “These findings highlight the significance of recognizing fibrotic skin diseases as possible indicators of systemic inflammation.”

Source: Gupta N, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2025;24(11):1121