Hyperandrogenemia influences the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome abnormalities in adolescents with the polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MBS) abnormalities in Italian adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was evaluated.

Design. Retrospective chart review.

Setting. University outpatient clinic.

Participants. Fifty-three adolescents with PCOS.

Interventions. Subjects underwent a physical evaluation. Fasting blood samples were taken for the evaluation of metabolic parameters.

Main outcome measures. The prevalence of MBS abnormalities according to de Ferranti criteria was assessed.

Results. 9.4% of adolescents with PCOS had the MBS (three abnormalities). Twelve girls (22.7%) had two abnormalities. Seventeen (32.1%) of PCOS girls have no MBS abnormalities. PCOS adolescents with the MBS were more obese, insulin resistant and they had significantly higher levels of total and free testosterone. The number of metabolic abnormalities correlated with free, total testosterone, free androgen index (FAI) and body mass index (BMI). Groups with two or three abnormalities were not differentiated by BMI, insulin, lipids, blood pressure, but they were differentiated by total and free testosterone and FAI. Adolescents with the MBS have higher total and free testosterone and FAI than girls with two MBS abnormalities.

Conclusions. The MBS and its components are present in some adolescents with PCOS, placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease early in adulthood. Hyperandrogenemia is a risk factor for MBS independent of obesity.

Keywords:

• PCOS
• adolescence
• metabolic syndrome
• hyperandrogenism