Correlation of Cutaneous Manifestations With Body Mass Index (BMI) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational Study.

Background:  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting mostly reproductive age group women. It is characterized by clinical and biochemical evidence of anovulation, hyperandrogenism and a polycystic ovary in the ultrasound. The aim of the present study is to find out the prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in PCOS and the correlation of their cutaneous manifestations with body mass index (BMI).

Materials And Methods:  A hospital-based observational, prospective study was conducted with 251 patients over a period of 18 months. Patients were divided into two groups based on their BMI values (more than 25 and less than 25) and screened for cutaneous manifestations. Correlation between the cutaneous manifestations and BMI was noted.

Results:  Maximum number of manifestations were seen in overweight patients (n=189). Hirsutism was the most common cutaneous manifestation followed by acne. But the only statistically significant association noted in the present study was between acne and BMI (p-value 0.009).

Conclusion: PCOS is a common disorder seen in females of the reproductive age group. Though the prevalence of cutaneous manifestations was more commonly seen in overweight (BMI between 25 and 30) and obese women (BMI >30), they were also found in lean groups. Hence evaluation and counselling regarding lifestyle modification are important not only for obese but also in lean PCOS.