Böttcher B, Stahlhofer KJ, Mattle V, Seeber B, Brezinka C, Wildt L. Ultrasonographic assessment of skin thickness in patients with PCOS - a case-control study.
Gynecol Endocrinol 2013;
29:380-3. [PMID:
23316887 DOI:
10.3109/09513590.2012.752453]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To measure skin thickness in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison to controls and to examine a possible association with sex steroids, body mass index, lipid profile and hyperinsulinemia.
METHODS
Thirty patients with confirmed PCOS were compared to thirty-two women presenting for infertility workup. Skin thickness was measured using high-resolution ultrasound in a standardized area, blood samples were collected once at presentation.
RESULTS
Patients with PCOS showed a statistically significant thicker skin than women in the control group (0.95 mm (±0.093 mm) versus 0.85 mm (±0.077 mm, p < 0.0001)). LH, estradiol, testosterone, the free androgen index, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and body mass index were significantly increased in PCOS - patients. No correlation between hyperinsulinemia and skin thickness was seen.
CONCLUSIONS
PCOS - patients showed a greater skin thickness in comparison to women without PCOS. This might be due to proliferative effects of sex steroids such as estrogens and testosterone and metabolic derangements on skin thickness.
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