Understanding the Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Acrochordons: A Case-control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Acrochordons kown as Skin Tags (ST) are common benign skin tumours usually occurring on the neck and major flexors of older and obese people. A few studies with conflicting results have been reported regarding the abnormalities of carbohydrate or lipid metabolisms, and the involvement of some inflammatory markers in patients with acrochordons. Aim: Comparison of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), lipid profile, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) between patients with acrochordon, and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Dermatology of Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India. A total number of 160 subjects (80 healthy controls and 80 cases with acrochordons) were included. The FBS, lipid profile, and CRP were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by Independent t-test, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), frequency, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Results: Total 160 subjects were included in study, 80 in each case and control group (51 female and 29 male in both groups). Age and sex between two groups were matched with mean age 47.68 years. The mean FBS for cases and controls were 133.24 and 84.9 mg/dL respectively. The mean CRP for cases and controls were 17.33 and 1.66 mg/L respectively. Significant differences were recognised for means of BMI, FBS and CRP between two groups (p-value <0.001). These parameters had significant difference between two groups in aspect of various size, colour and number of acrochordons (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Threat of progress of metabolic syndrome is significantly higher in patients with acrochordons. Among the many elements of inflammations and metabolic syndrome, BMI, CRP, lipid profile and plasma sugar are remarkably linked with acrochordons.