Evaluation of endothelial function in obese and non obese women with
polycystic ovarian syndrome
Abstract
Objectives: To compare endothelial function by flow mediated dilatation
(FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in women with polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and controls, and the determinants of
endothelial function and its relationship with metabolic and endocrine
parameters in PCOS. Design: Prospective study Setting: Department of
Obstetrics & Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.
Population: Ninety women visiting the gynaecological OPD. Methods: A
prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care setting in India from
November 2010 to March 2012 on 90 women [PCOS: 30 obese – Group I, 30
non-obese – Group II and 30 non-obese non-PCOS controls – Group
III]. Endothelial function by FMD of brachial artery and IMT of common
carotid artery was evaluated by ultrasound. Metabolic, endocrine and
anthropometric variables were compared and relationship with FMD and
CIMT was calculated. Main Outcome Measures: Evaluation of endothelial
function in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Results: A significant decreasing trend of FMD was found from controls
to non-obese to obese PCOS women with a mean of 18.01%, 13.06% and
11.31% respectively. A non significant increasing trend of mean CIMT
was found from normal control to non-obese and obese PCOS women with
mean of 0.446 mm, 0.473 mm and 0.493 mm respectively. Conclusions: Women
with PCOS have significant endothelial dysfunction at an early age
suggesting that they may be at an increased risk for early onset
cardiovascular disease and may gain particular benefit from preventive
lifestyle interventions.