Clinicobiochemical Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome: Do They Go “Hand in Glove”?

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To study the clinical and biochemical markers for metabolic syndrome in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: This is an observational (cross-sectional) study involving 105 patients of PCOS, carried out over 2 years (2018–2020) in a tertiary care hospital of Berhampur, Odisha. Weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured. The W to H ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Venous blood samples were collected after an overnight fast for glucose, serum triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. A 2-hour 75 g glucose tolerance test was done, along with fasting insulin. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS program for Windows (v 25.0). Tests of significance were carried out. Results: The patients fell into the age range of 16–30 years. The average body mass index (BMI) was 27 ± 5.3 kg/m², with central obesity in 40% cases. Thirty-seven patients (35.2%) fulfilled three or more criteria of metabolic syndrome, maximum cases (49%) in the age group of 20–24 years. Central obesity (Waist circumference ≥80 cm) is the most deranged parameter among 32/37 (86.5%) followed by dyslipidemia— serum HDL-C ≤50 mg/dL in 27/37 (73%). Fasting plasma glucose levels are least deranged in 43.2% of cases (16/37). Women with PCOS had a significant association with all parameters of metabolic syndrome (p ≤0.05). Conclusion: Several studies have proved a consistent association between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction. It is, thus, imperative to screen every case of PCOS, with appropriate follow-up, to catch derangements at the earliest. Encouraging healthy lifestyle practices is important to improve ovulatory and menstrual symptoms as well as prevent future morbid metabolic ailments.