PCOS associated with increased incidence of glucose intolerance and increased PAI-1 in overweight and obese adolescents

Although adults with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be at increased risk for metabolic syndrome, it is not yet clear whether PCOS in adolescents does also add additional risk of metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was designed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in 43 overweight or obese adolescents presenting with PCOS and in 31 controls. Compared with controls, the PCOS group had larger ovarian volume, higher measures of total testosterone and free androgen index, more glucose abnormalities and higher PAI-1 whereas there were no between-group differences in waist circumference, fasting glucose, blood pressure, or lipids. When using paediatric criteria, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 53% of PCOS adolescents compared to 55% of controls. When using adult criteria, 26% of PCOS and 29% of controls met diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. Obese adolescent women with PCOS have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome although PCOS does not add additional risk of metabolic syndrome. When matched for obesity, PCOS was thus not associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome using paediatric or adult criteria. Of note is that PCOS was associated with increased incidence of glucose intolerance and increased PAI-1.

Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal fat – Adipose tissue – Impaired glucose regulation – Metabolic syndrome – Obesity – Overweight – PAI-1 – Polycystic ovary syndrome