Clinico-biochemical characteristics of 229 Portuguese infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical relevance and relationship with fertility treatment results

Abstract

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-20% of reproductive-age women. The authors aimed to evaluate the characteristics of PCOS women and its relationship with fertility treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods: The authors reviewed records of PCOS women assisted at Hospital Santa Maria. Fertility treatment results were assessed as pregnancy rate, number of cycles, and miscarriage rate. Results: They identified 229 PCOS women, 179 (78.2%) had waist circumference > 80 cm, 72 (31.4%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) familial history and glucose abnormalities, hypertriglyceridemia and low cholesterol-HDL were detected in 23(10.1%), 15 (6.6%) and 103 (45.0%), respectively. Pregnancy was achieved in 164 women. The mean number of cycles to achieve pregnancy was 2.7 (±2.2). Statistical analysis identified factors associated with longer/higher number of treatments: primary infertility, T2DM familial history, hypertriglyceridemia, and low cholesterol-HDL. Waist circumference > 80 cm, older age, and increased LH level were associated with miscarriage. Conclusions: Primary infertility, T2DM familial history, hypertriglyceridemia, low cholesterol-HDL, older age, waist circumference > 80 cm, and high LH may confer poorer fertility treatment results.