Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, yet it often goes undiagnosed, especially in younger and community-based groups. Insulin resistance is a key aspect of PCOS. Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a visible and easily recognized cutaneous marker that indicates underlying metabolic issues. Given the rising number of metabolic disorders, evaluating AN as a screening marker for PCOS is of growing clinical importance.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 540 female students aged ≥18 years at Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Pune. Participants were categorized into normal, high-risk for PCOS, and diagnosed PCOS groups based on menstrual irregularities, clinical features, and prior diagnosis. Acanthosis Nigricans was assessed using the Burke scale, which evaluates neck skin texture and thickening. Anthropometric measurements and clinical markers of hyperandrogenism were recorded. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS: Acanthosis Nigricans was significantly more prevalent in the diagnosed PCOS group (41.2%) compared to the high-risk (32.7%) and normal groups (23.2%) (p < 0.001). We observed a steady increase in AN severity from the normal group to the diagnosed PCOS group. The average Burke scores were lowest in the normal group (0.38 ± 0.67), higher in the high-risk group (0.76 ± 0.92), and highest in those diagnosed with PCOS (1.04 ± 1.07) (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that AN was an independent predictor of PCOS and high-risk status, even after adjustment for body mass index and hyperandrogenic features.
CONCLUSIONS: Acanthosis Nigricans is a common and clinically meaningful finding among women with PCOS and those at high risk. It is non-invasive assessment therefore making it practical and cost-effective screening method for early identification of PCOS in young populations.