The frequency of insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) attending Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital .

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the commonest endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age. The prevalence of the disease is estimated to be around 5 % in general population (Azziz, 2004). Literature on the prevalence of PCOS in Black women is limited (Knochenhauer, 1998). This syndrome is a diagnostic conundrum due to the phenotypic variability of these women. The PCOS woman also has a greater disposition for impaired glucose homeostasis as well as hyperlipidaemia. OBJECTIVE. The hormonal and metabolic profiles of South African women with PCOS have not been described. Ethnic differences in the prevalence of PCOS have also not been well explored. Our study aims to describe and compare the phenotypic profile of African and Indian women with PCOS and to determine the frequency of insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia in these women. METHODS. A retrospective audit of all patients attending gynaecology endocrine and infertility clinics over the period June 2005 to June 2009 was carried out. The biochemical and clinical profiles were analysed and a comparative analysis between the two largest groups, Indian and Black women were done. All women that attended these clinics were subjected to a fasting lipogram and fasting serum glucose. An abnormal fasting serum glucose would have necessitated a full glucose tolerance test. RESULTS. A total of 110 patients were analysed in this study. There were 87 Indian patients, 16 Black patients, 5 Coloured patients and 2 White patients. Eighty nine percent of PCOS women studied had an increased body mass index (>25). There was an increased LH:FSH in 66 (75.9%) of Indian women and 13 (81.3%) of Black women. Increased androgens were present in 26 (30.2%) in Indian women and 6 (37.5%) of Black women. An increase in fasting insulin was found in 48 (55.2%) of the Indian women and 5 (31.3%) of the Black women. Twenty five (29.1%) Indian women had an increase in fasting serum glucose compared to 1 (6.3%) in Black women. In the Indian population, 13 (14.9%) were found to have Diabetes Mellitus, and 9 (10.3%) had an impaired glucose tolerance test. In the Black population only 1 patient had impaired glucose tolerance. There were no Black patients with Diabetes Mellitus. No Black women were found to have hyperlipidaemia, however 12 (14.3%) Indian women were affected. None of these differences between the races were statistically significant. The major limitation of the study was the sample size of Black women. This is an ongoing study, and aims to recruit more Black women. This will be able to adequately address the correct perspective regarding the metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in these women. CONCLUSION. The prevalence of insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia in local women with PCOS was 50.9%.and 11.3% respectively. Menstrual irregularities and infertility are the most frequent presenting complaints of women with PCOS. Features of hyperandrogenism are not common presenting complaints in South African women. There are no differences in the hormonal and clinical profile of South African Indian and Black women with PCOS, however, there is a trend toward Indian women having a greater prevalence of glucose abnormalities than Black women. We recommend further studies in the management of the metabolic abnormalities in local women with PCOS, in an attempt to develop a protocol to manage the metabolic complexities of PCOS.