A Pilot Syudy of Relation of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Disorder in Davangere, Karnataka

Introduction

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is seen in 5 - 10% of women of the reproductive age, is the most common form of anovulatory infertility.

Evidence prove that these women exhibit a characteristic dyslipidaemia non insulin dependent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life, which are the hallmarks of the metabolic syndrome.

Presence of 3 of 5 common cardiovascular risk factors as a criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in PCOS is very high (43 - 46%).

Primary infertility cases with clinical features of menstrual irregularities, weight gain, hirsutism, acne and galactorrhea with scan picture of polycystic ovaries were considered for diagnosing PCOS cases.

Aim of the Study

Aim is to establish the relation between PCOS and metabolic syndrome.

Material and Methods

Study Design

A prospective, noninterventional case control study was conducted with 60 primary infertility patients, attending the gynaecological department, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka.

Study population

All these patients had clinical features suggestive of PCOS, of these 30 patients with ultrasound findings of polycystic ovaries were taken as cases and the others were age matched contemporary controls.

Age group: 20 - 30 years. Duration of study: 8 months. (Dec. 2009 - July 2010)

Methodology

After a brief history, waist circumference and blood pressure was recorded, then patients were asked to come on overnight fasting for a fasting blood sugar level and lipid profile assessment.

Results

In the present study all the five parameters needed for diagnosing metabolic syndrome were raised in PCOS cases and compared to controls. Values were statistically significant by student's unpaired 't' test.

An incidence of 38% of metabolic syndrome was noted in the PCOS cases studied.

Conclusion

Women with PCOS were strongly associated with metabolic syndrome when compared with the controls.

Obesity, high triglycerides and low high  density lipoprotein levels are closely linked to insulin resistance and they are independent predictors of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease.

Results strongly indicate the need for comprehensive screening and education program for women of all ages with PCOS. Modification of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise along with insulin sensitizers and lipid lowering agents can prevent long term health risks.