Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: It is well known that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can promote metabolic syndrome (MetSy) and consequently cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study we compared indices of MetSy and 10-year cardiovascular risk (CVR₁₀) based on Framingham risk scoring system (FRSS) in young obese PCOS women and healthy obese controls.

Methods: We studied 25 obese women with PCOS (mean age: 29.55±4.6 years, mean BMI: 31.8±4.4 kg/m²) diagnosed using Rotterdam 2003 Consensus criteria and 25 age and BMI matched obese controls. All women had waist circumference >80 cm. The following analyses were performed: total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS and systolic blood pressure. Calculation of free androgen index (FAI) was performed and insulin resistance was defined by HOMA-IR. MetSy was defined by International Diabetes Federation criteria, and a CVR₁₀ according to FRSS. Because subject age had major influence to final CVR₁₀ estimation, we compared gathered points as well.

Results: In comparison to obese controls, obese PCOS women had statistically significant higher glucose (P<0.01), testosterone (P<0.001) concentrations, as well as higher FAI (P<0.001). SHBG concentration was lower in PCOS than in controls (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in other parameters, including HOMA-IR. Both groups had the same prevalence of MetSy (PCOS versus controls: 26 vs 22%, P>0.05). There was similar number of smokers in PCOS and control group (52 vs 44% respectively, P>0.05). CVR₁₀ for PCOS women was 1.6% and for controls 1.4% (P>0.05). Framingham risk score points for PCOS were 7.8±5.0 and for controls 6.8±6.6 (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Young obese women with PCOS do not have greater 10-year risk for incident cardiovascular diseases in comparison to age and body mass index matched healthy women, based on Framingham risk score system. A different system for CVD prediction in this population of women is needed.