Clinico-biochemical characteristics of 229 Portuguese infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical relevance and relationship with fertility treatment results.

PURPOSE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-20% of reproductive-age women. The authors aimed to evaluate the characteristics of PCOS women and its relationship with fertility treatment outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed records of PCOS women assisted at Hospital Santa Maria. Fertility treatment results were assessed as pregnancy rate, number of cycles, and miscarriage rate.

RESULTS

They identified 229 PCOS women, 179 (78.2%) had waist circumference > 80 cm, 72 (31.4%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) familial history and glucose abnormalities, hypertriglyceridemia and low cholesterol-HDL were detected in 23(10.1%), 15 (6.6%) and 103 (45.0%), respectively. Pregnancy was achieved in 164 women. The mean number of cycles to achieve pregnancy was 2.7 (±2.2). Statistical analysis identified factors associated with longer/higher number of treatments: primary infertility, T2DM familial history, hypertriglyceridemia, and low cholesterol-HDL. Waist circumference > 80 cm, older age, and increased LH level were associated with miscarriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary infertility, T2DM familial history, hypertriglyceridemia, low cholesterol-HDL, older age, waist circumference > 80 cm, and high LH may confer poorer fertility treatment results.