Acanthosis nigricans and its association with cardio-metabolic risk factors in children with overweight/obesity: A school-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a common finding often associated with hyperinsulinemia and childhood obesity. There has been a lack of studies evaluating the association of AN with underlying cardio-metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. Our objective was to study the association between AN and cardio-metabolic risk factors in children with overweight/obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included school-going children (6-16 years of age) with overweight/obesity. Physical examination, anthropometry, and blood pressure (BP) data were collected. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure insulin, glucose, homeostasis model assessment index (HOMAIR), and lipid profile.

RESULTS

Of 1930 children screened, 545 had overweight/obesity, and were included. Boys to girls ratio was 1.27. AN was present in 46.4% of children. Children with AN had higher body mass index [BMI] (P < 0.01), waist circumference [WC] (P < 0.01), systolic (P = 0.03), and diastolic BP (P = 0.02), hyperglycemia (P = 0.02), hyperinsulinemia (P < 0.01), and a higher HOMA-IR (P < 0.01) compared to those without AN. HDL level was lower in children with AN.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with overweight/obesity who have AN have significant elevations of BP, insulin level, and HOMA-IR. AN is a clinical marker that seems to be associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors in children with overweight/obesity in the given study population.