Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Tunisian Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Objective:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes many problems ranging from reproductive to cardiovascular pathology. High sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP-hs) has been proved to be one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk events.Objective:to assess cardiovascular risk (CVR) in women with PCOS based on CRP-hs values.Design and method:women diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched controls were recruited in one year period. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Hormonal assessment was performed by electrochemiluminescence and CRP-hs by turbidimetry on cobas-Roche.CVR was defined as “low” when CRP-hs <1 mg/L, “intermediate” when CRPhs 1–3 mg/L, “high” when CRPhs 3–8.5 mg/L, and “unspecific elevation” CRP-hs > 8.5 mg/L.Results:A total of 96 PCOS patients and 108 controls were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 25.67 ± 5.12 years and 28.89 ± 6.57 years for controls. CRP-hs was higher in PCOS compared with controls. In PCOS, 44% were at a low CVR, 31% at an intermediate CVR, and 25% at a high CVR. However, in controls, 58% of had low CVR, 26% intermediate CVR, and 16% high CVR.Conclusions:Cardiovascular risk seems to be higher in PCOS patients compared to controls. We suggest an early detection based on CRP-hs levels. Specific guidelines would be established for management of CVR in this young population.