Objective: To evaluate the presence or absence of acanthosis nigricans and its
association with metabolic alterations in a group of obese and overweight
children and adolescents.Methods: A cross sectional study of 161 overweight children and adolescents, who were
divided into two groups, according to presence or absence of acanthosis
nigricans. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, skinfolds,
abdominal circumference), blood pressure, laboratory tests (fasting
glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, triglycerides, uric acid, transaminases)
and homeostasis model assessment index.Results: The acanthosis nigricans group represented 51.5% of the sample. The mean age
was similar between groups. The group with acanthosis nigricans presented
higher body mass index, Z score of body mass index, body fat percentage,
abdominal circumference (p<0.0001), systolic (p=0.006) and diastolic
blood pressure (p=0.002). There was no significant difference in the
analysis of lipid profile, except for the high-density cholesterol, which
was lower (p=0.003) in the group with acanthosis. On the other hand, uric
acid (p<0.0001), fasting glycemia (p=0.006), insulin (p<0.0001),
glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (p<0.0001), and homeostasis model
assessment index (p<0.0001) were significantly higher in the group with
acanthosis nigricans.Conclusions: Acanthosis nigricans in overweight and obese children and adolescents is
associated with elevation of body fat, blood pressure, insulin and
homeostasis model assessment index, indicating that it is a clinical marker
associated with the metabolic syndrome.