Relation between Acne Vulgaris and Metabolic Syndrome in Males

Abstract Background: Acne is a multifactorial and inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous follicles, which affects most adoles-cents. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a multiplex syndrome and has been reported to be associated with many dermatologic diseases, such as acne vulgaris. Aim of Study: Study the prevalence of MetS in post-adolescent male patients with AV (aged >!20 years), and assess the relation between MetS and severity of AV in these patients. Patients and Methods: A randomized case control study was conducted on 52 post adolescent male patients with acne and 52 patients (age and sex matched) as control. All patients were subjected to clinical assessment including: Evaluation of MetS components: (Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation: [Weight (kg) / height (m)2] & waist circumference) and estimation of biochemical parameters (fasting serum triglyc-erides, HDL and fasting blood glucose). Dermatological evaluation was done for assessment of acne severity. Results: MetS prevalence was statistically significant higher in AV patients (19.2%) compared to controls (5.8%). (x2=4.37, p=0.037). There was a statistical significant relation between AV and risk of developing MetS as odds ratio was 3.9 (1.003 to 15.07), p=0.049. There was statisti-cally insignificant relation between the severity of AV and MetS prevalence. Conclusion: MetS prevalence was higher in AV patients than in control and was more common in patients with severe acne. There was a statistical significant relation between AV and risk of developing MetS.