A Cross-sectional Analytical Study of Morphological Patterns of Acanthosis Nigricans and Its Association with Components of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatosis that manifests as asymptomatic and symmetrical darkening, affecting the skin of intertriginous areas. It is a marker of insulin resistance and is usually associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The present study was conducted to study the morphological patterns of AN and to assess its correlation with different components of MS. Methodology: Using the purposive sampling technique (1-year period), 100 patients fulfilling the case definition of AN were enrolled based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history and a cutaneous examination (color, texture, and sites of AN) were done. Anthropometric measurements and scoring of the AN were done. Investigations were reviewed. Data were recorded, and MS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Panel III criteria. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 13 software. Results: The mean age was 36.9 ± 10.1 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.38. The mean duration of AN was 18.8 ± 12.5 months. Seventy percent of cases had involvement of two or more sites. MS was present in 55% of cases of AN. Gender, duration of AN, site of AN, neck and axilla severity, and total cholesterol were not statistically significantly associated with MS (P > 0.05). Its association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, and high triglyceride was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). A low high-density lipoprotein level was found to be highly significant (P < 0.01). On applying the Chi-square test, all five parameters of MS had a significant association with AN. Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between AN and MS is important, as patients with AN are at risk for all the components of MS individually and collectively.