Seborrheic Dermatitis and Risk of Future Parkinson's Disease (PD) (S42.001)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship between medically-diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis and risk of developing PD.

Background Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) abnormalities are common in PD, and may precede the onset of motor features. Seborrheic dermatitis has been proposed to be a manifestation of ANS dysfunction in PD.

Design/Methods: In Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large, integrated health system, we identified neurologist-diagnosed PD cases and controls matched for age, gender and duration of membership (1 case: 5 controls) for the years 2006-2010. We compared the frequency of medically-diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis prior to index date (defined as the diagnosis date in cases or an equivalent time point in controls). Risk of PD associated with seborrheic dermatitis was estimated in a logistic regression model adjusting for age, gender, and smoking.

Results: Mean age was 74.1 years in the 2651 PD cases and 73.2 years in the 13,255 matched controls; 58.2% of cases and controls were male. Seborrheic dermatitis was diagnosed before index date in 115 cases (4%) and 333 (2.5%) controls. Seborrheic dermatitis was associated with increased risk of PD (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.36, 2.1; p < 0.001). PD risk was also increased when seborrheic dermatitis was diagnosed 5 or more years before the reference date (2.1% cases, 1.4% controls, OR= 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.93, p =0.024).

Conclusions: Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of PD. This may represent a premotor feature, referable to the ANS. Seborrheic dermatitis, like other ANS abnormalities and hyposmia, may be useful in the early identification of persons with PD.

Supported by: Kaiser Permanente Northern California; James & Sharron Clark.

Disclosure: Dr. Tanner has received personal compensation for activities with Impax Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Inc. & Genentech, Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Tanner has received research support from Michael J. Fox Foundation, Department of Defense, Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Parkinson's Institute, Unity Walk and Brin Foundation. Dr. Albers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fross has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leimpeter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Klingman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Van Den Eeden has received research support from GlaxoSmithKline, Inc.