METABOLIC SYNDROME IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME TUNISIAN WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known to reproduce metabolic syndrome (MS) features. This association seems to be heterogeneous. To investigate the profile of MS in patients with PCOS in Tunisia. Design and method: Our study was conducted on women diagnosed with PCOS in 2020 and age matched controls. PCOS and MS diagnosis were made according to the Rotterdam criteria and the definition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) respectively. Biochemical tests were analysed via an automated method (Cobas-Roche). Results: Our study was conducted on 96 patients and 108 controls. The median age in patients was at 25 years vs 27 in controls. Only 19.7% of patients met the criteria of MS. However, in controls the prevalence of MS was 12.6%. All MS criteria were more prevalent in PCOS patients compared to controls. We observed in decreasing order: android fat distribution, followed by elevated fasting glucose and decreased HDLc, followed by hypertension, and finally hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: In the literature, the prevalence of MS in PCOS was estimated between 22% and 42%. The relatively low prevalence of MS in Tunisian PCOS could be explained by age and geographical heterogeneity of MS distribution. Since, these patients are likely at risk of chronic comorbidities we suggest initiating a specific management.