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Acne severity and the Global Acne Grading System in polycystic ovary syndrome
Author(s) -
Hacivelioglu Servet,
Gungor Ayse Nur Cakir,
Gencer Meryem,
Uysal Ahmet,
Hizli Deniz,
Koc Evrim,
Cosar Emine
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.05.005
Subject(s) - acne , polycystic ovary , medicine , hirsutism , waist , body mass index , dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate , sex hormone binding globulin , endocrinology , menstrual cycle , hyperandrogenism , androgen , hormone , obesity , dermatology , insulin resistance
Objective To evaluate the association between acne, quantified by the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and abnormal clinical and laboratory markers of androgen excess in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods The retrospective study included 133 patients with PCOS. Acne severity was quantified with the GAGS score, alopecia was graded with the Ludwig classification, and hirsutism was quantified with a modified Ferriman–Gallwey (FG) score. Results The mean GAGS score was significantly greater in younger women, those with a lower BMI, and those with a higher FG score. There was no relation between the mean GAGS score and waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, androgen hormone levels (free testosterone, total testosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), sex‐hormone‐binding globulin level, or menstrual irregularity. Alopecia was significantly associated with an increased waist/hip ratio; there was no relation between alopecia and age, waist circumference, body mass index, FG score, androgen hormone levels, or menstrual irregularity. A weak positive correlation was observed between the GAGS and FG scores. Conclusion The GAGS may provide more precise and comprehensive information about acne severity in obese or hirsute patients with PCOS because this grading system includes evaluation of the type (comedones, papules, pustules, nodules) and location (anatomic area) of acne lesions.