A Hospital Based Prospective Study to Evaluate the Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Patients

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is an endocrine disorder seen in women of reproductive age. The excessive secretion of androgens in PCOS patients results in a series of skin changes. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the cutaneous manifestations in PCOS patients. Materials & Methods: A prospective study with a total 50 patients with features suggestive of PCOS attending department of dermatology, venereology and leprosy and department of obstetrics and gynecology in a government S.K. Medical College, Sikar, Rajasthan were screened. Hirsutism was defined as a Ferriman and Gallwey score >8. Androgenetic alopecia was evaluated according to Ludwig’s classification. Insulin resistance was determined by calculating Homeostatic model assessment of Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score. Values >2.5 were taken as compatible with significant insulin resistance. Chi square (χ2) test was performed and exact test was used when the expected frequency is less than 5. Results: The present study showed that mean age of incidence was 24.27 years. The mean BMI in the PCOS patients was 27.13 kg/m2 with standard deviation of 4.38. The prevalence of hirsutism, acne, female pattern hair loss, acanthosis nigricans, seborrhea, and acrochordons was found to be 86%, 74%, 32%, 30%, 50%, and 10%, respectively. The most common hormonal abnormality in the study patients was insulin resistance in 54% patients, followed by raised free testosterone in 20% patients and serum prolactin in 18% patients. Conclusion: Success in the effective management of women with PCOS is through a synchronized effort between the dermatologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, nutritionist, and physical trainer.