Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome a Predisposing Factor for Pilonidal Sinus Disease?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pilonidal sinus may be increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence and risk factors of pilonidal sinus disease in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome in the same population. DESIGN: This was a case-control study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a Turkish rural district state hospital. PATIENTS: This study included 40 female patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 120 female patients without polycystic ovary syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of pilonidal sinus, age, BMI, number of baths per week, daily sitting time, and family history of pilonidal sinus were recorded. RESULTS: Pilonidal sinus was detected in 22.5% (12.5% asymptomatic pits, 10% symptomatic) of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 1.7% of the control group (p < 0.001). No difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of BMI (p = 0.219). Family history was similar between the case and control groups (p = 0.520). No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of insufficient hygiene and daily sitting time (p = 0.763, p = 0.706). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of pilonidal sinus was significantly higher in patients with a positive family history (p = 0.008). LIMITATIONS: The number of patients in the case and control groups in the study was limited. In addition, the control group may not fully reflect the general population because it was composed of only patients who presented to the general surgery and gynecology outpatient clinic for other reasons. The control group was not age matched. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that the prevalence of pilonidal sinus was significantly higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.