Acrochordon as a marker of metabolic syndrome – A cross-sectional study from South India

To determine the association of acrochordons with metabolic syndrome and its components. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 patients with acrochordon and 100 age- and gender-matched controls who attended the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center in South India from January 2017 to December 2017. A detailed dermatological examination was carried out in cases with respect to distribution, number, color, and morphology of acrochordons. Blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, waist circumference, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded in all cases and controls. Fasting lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, liver function test, and renal function test were done in all study participants. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made based on the International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome worldwide definition specified for the Asian population. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson’s Chi-square test. There were 52 females and 48 males in each group. About 80% of patients belonged to the age group of 20–50 years. A significantly higher number of cases had metabolic syndrome (P < 0.001). Acrochordons showed a significant association with the components of metabolic syndrome such as high BP (P < 0.001), high fasting plasma glucose levels (P < 0.001), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.04). Comparison of cases showed that patients with acrochordons limited to axilla were less likely to have metabolic syndrome in comparison to those who had acrochordons on other body sites with or without involvement of axilla (P = 0.008). Patients who manifested only sessile lesions were less likely to have metabolic syndrome when compared to those who manifested pedunculated/filiform/pedunculated and filiform lesions (P < 0.001). A cross-sectional study design and study carried out in a tertiary referral center were the limitations. A significant association was noted between acrochordons and metabolic syndrome.