1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, S.S.Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere-577005, Karnataka, India
2Department of Anatomy, S.S.Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere-577005, Karnataka, India
3Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, S.S.Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere-577005, Karnataka, India
4Department of Surgical Oncology, S.S.Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere-577005, Karnataka, India
Online published on 1 June, 2012.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is seen in 5 – 10% of women of the reproductive age, is the most common form of anovulatory infertility1,2,3.
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 syndrome4.
Presence of 3 of 5 common cardiovascular risk factors as a criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in PCOS is very high (43 – 46%)5.
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 is to establish the relation between PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
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)
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.
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.
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.
