The prevalence and metabolic characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome in the Qatari population.

Soha R Dargham,Stephen L Atkin,Lina Ahmed,Eric S Kilpatrick,Petter Bjornstad

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181467

Soha R Dargham, Stephen L Atkin + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181467

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Abstract

ObjectiveThe prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the Qatari population is unknown and hence the estimated impact on the local population cannot be determined. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and metabolic features of PCOS among Qatari women.DesignCross sectional analysis.Patients3,017 Qatari subjects volunteered to be phenotyped and genotyped for the Qatar Biobank from which all women between the ages of 18–40 years were identified (750).Measurements720 women had testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) measurements. PCOS was diagnosed according the National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines of a raised androgen level (free androgen index >4.5 or a raised total testosterone) and menstrual irregularity after the exclusion of other conditions.ResultsAll results are reported as mean value of PCOS versus control. 87 of 720 women fulfilled the NIH guidelines (12.1%) for PCOS specifically using a free androgen index greater than 4.5 or a total testosterone greater than 2.7nmol/l and menstrual irregularity. Subjects were heavier with a more metabolic profile of a greater systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher levels of C reactive protein, insulin (p<0.01) and HbA1c (P<0.02), and decreased HDL levels (p<0.01). Pulse wave velocity as a marker of arterial stiffness was also increased (p<0.05)ConclusionsBy NIH guidelines the prevalence of PCOS in this Qatari cohort was 12.1% that would likely reflect 20% by Rotterdam criteria, with a markedly more metabolic phenotype than Qatari controls.

Highlights

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders and affects 6–20% of reproductive-aged women[1,2,3] that leads to irregular periods, infertility and increased androgen levels causing hirsutism and acne[4, 5]
All results are reported as mean value of PCOS versus control. 87 of 720 women fulfilled the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines (12.1%) for PCOS using a free androgen index greater than 4.5 or a total testosterone greater than 2.7nmol/l and menstrual irregularity
By NIH guidelines the prevalence of PCOS in this Qatari cohort was 12.1% that would likely reflect 20% by Rotterdam criteria, with a markedly more metabolic phenotype than Qatari controls

Summary

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders and affects 6–20% of reproductive-aged women[1,2,3] that leads to irregular periods, infertility and increased androgen levels causing hirsutism and acne[4, 5]. Obesity affects the majority of women with PCOS, and they have a higher prevalence of both impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes[3]. Up to 60% of PCOS women have insulin resistance, up to 40% have impaired glucose tolerance and 10% may develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40 years[9]. Whilst both slim and obese women with PCOS have insulin resistance, the development of obesity may exacerbate the phenotype leading to increased cardiovascular risk[10]. In a recent systematic analysis suggests that the prevalence of PCOS was put at between 6% (NIH criteria) to 10% (Rotterdam and Androgen excess society guidelines)[11]. This study has used the much larger Qatar Biobank to establish a more robust prevalence for PCOS in the country

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