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Observational Study
. 2020 Dec 9;20(1):21.
doi: 10.1186/s12895-020-00120-z.

Skin manifestations after bariatric surgery

Yada Itthipanichpong  1 , Wilawan Damkerngsuntorn  1 , Natsinee Tangkijngamvong  1 , Suthep Udomsawaengsup  2 , Patchaya Boonchayaanant  3 , Chanat Kumtornrut  1 , Stephen J Kerr  4 , Pravit Asawanonda  1 , Pawinee Rerknimitr  5
Affiliations
Observational Study

Skin manifestations after bariatric surgery

Yada Itthipanichpong et al. BMC Dermatol. .

Abstract

Background: Skin signs observed in morbid obesity may change as the weight reduces, especially post-bariatric surgery (BaS). Data concerning the skin findings exclusively in post-BaS patients remain limited.

Methods: Seventy post-BaS patients were examined for cutaneous abnormalities. The patients were divided into those with successful weight loss (% excessive body weight loss (EBWL) of at least 50%) and a non-successful group (%EBWL < 50%).

Results: Forty-six patients with successful weight loss demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of acanthosis nigricans on the neck, axillae and inguinal areas, keratosis pilaris (KP) and pebble fingers. However, a higher prevalence of alopecia was observed. After adjustment with patients' factors, KP (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.21, 95%CI 0.06-0.74, p = 0.02) and pebble fingers (aOR = 0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.89, p = 0.04) remained significantly less likely in patients with successful weight loss. Laboratory results comparing pre- and post-surgery values revealed significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and triglyceride and an increase of high-density lipoproteins in both groups. However, significant decreases of liver aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were observed only in the successful group (p = 0.04, 0.003). Nonetheless, a decrease in vitamin B12 (p = 0.01) was observed in the successful group.

Conclusion: Weight loss after BaS provided an improvement for metabolic profiles. Successful weight reduction resulted in better skin improvement. However, nutritional supplements may be necessary.

Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20171003002 . Registered October 3. 2017, retrospectively registered.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Cutaneous sign; Obesity; Skin; Weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

YI, WD, NT, SU, PB, CK, SK, PA, and PR have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Acanthosis nigricans and acrochordon on the neck (a); keratosis pilaris on the back (b); keratosis pilaris on the arm (c); pebble fingers (d); intertrigo and acrochordons on left axilla (e); intertrigo and striae on right axilla (f) in a patient with 48.9%EBWL
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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