Internist's view on skin manifestations of hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients

Overview

Xanthoma and xanthelasma are typical symptoms of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism impairment. On the basis of their incidence and morphology, it is even possible to specify the impairment type. Hypercholesterolemia or certain liver dysfunctions are characterized by slow development of surface xanthelasmas usually located on mechanically stressed regions (e.g. eyelids). Tuberous and tendinous xanthomas are typical for familiar hypercholesterolemia and are common symptoms of homozygous familiar hypercholesterolemia. Small and quickly developing eruptive xanthomas are typical for mixed hyperlipoproteinemia (secondary hyperlipoproteinemia is typical for diabetes). Mechanism of accumulation of lipids in skin morphs is similar to the development of atheroma, especially when talking about the role of modified LDL and the way of accumulation of lipids in macrophages. The following factors are very important for etiopathogenesis of skin xanthomas development: mechanical stress of tissues, increased permeability of skin capillaries and reaction of proteoglycans in sparse connective tissue. Xanthomas and xanthelasmas are typical indicators of other complicating diseases as e.g. development of acute pancreatitis during hyperlipoproteinemic crisis, aggravation of insulin resistance, and decompensation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The therapy focuses on adjustment of dietary regime (elimination of dietary fat and concentrated saccharides); no food and sufficient hydration via infusion of crystalloid solutions is indicated in cases of serious hyperlipoproteinemic crisis. In vital indication, it is possible to perform repeated plasmapheresis (or better continual plasmapheresis) that can correct even serious hyperlipoproteinemic crises within several hours. And what is more, continual plasmapheresis can significantly reduce the period when hyperlipoproteinemic crisis might induce acute necrotizing pancreatitis. In the long run, we require that patients strictly observe their dietary regime based on the type of hyperlipoproteinemia. As for medicamentous therapy, fibrates and atorvastatin (from statin family) are the preparations of choice. It is very important not to focus on symptoms, i.e. xanthoma or xanthelasma, but fully compensate lipid metabolism impairment or the disease that underlies hyperlipoproteinemia (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome). Unfortunately, it still can be seen that dermatologists, ophthalmologists or plastic surgeons remove extensive xanthelasmas, while the underlying cause is not approached diagnostically and therapeutically at all.

Key words:
xanthelasma – hyperlipoproteinemia – continual plasmapheresis – metabolic syndrome – hyperlipoproteinemic crisis