Racial and ethnic disparities in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women worldwide. There are several racial and ethnic differences in PCOS phenotypes and in PCOS- associated metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the current literature on disparities in the diagnosis and outcomes associated with PCOS in the United States. Future studies are needed to address gaps in knowledge for racial and ethnic-specific differences in PCOS, and include a large number of non-White and/or Hispanic participants in PCOS studies.

Subclinical cardiovascular disease and polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impacts approximately 6%-10% of women worldwide, with hallmark features of hyperandrogenism, irregular menses, infertility, and polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound. In addition, PCOS is associated with several endocrine and metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, which all increase the risk for subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), the presence of altered vascular endothelium without overt CVD. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature regarding subclinical CVD in women with PCOS, including markers such as flow-mediated dilation, arterial stiffness, coronary artery calcium scores, carotid intima-media thickness and visceral and epicardial fat.

Embolic stroke in a postpartum patient with Fontan physiology

In cardiac physiology, single ventricle typically refers to the presence of a dominant systemic ventricle along with a hypoplastic ventricle. The Fontan operation is used to repair the single ventricle by directing deoxygenated systemic venous flow to the pulmonary arterial circulation. Normal pregnancy physiology, particularly increased intravascular volume, increased heart rate, increased cardiac output, hypercoagulability and decreased systemic vascular resistance, can exacerbate cardiac disease in patients with Fontan circulation, leading to pregnancy complications. Despite the known risks, there are limited data addressing the question of anticoagulation in pregnant patients with Fontan physiology. Herein we present the case of a Fontan patient who had a successful pregnancy and delivery, and developed an embolic stroke in the postpartum period.

Tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with ovarian yolk sac tumor

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Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncologic emergency with profound metabolic derangements.

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Germ cell tumors with large disease burden increase the risk for tumor lysis syndrome.

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Herein we present a case of tumor lysis syndrome prior to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy for ovarian yolk sac tumor.

Surgical management of endometriosis to optimize fertility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Surgery is an integral element of treatment for infertility caused by endometriosis. This review summarizes the purported mechanisms of infertility in endometriosis, as well as the impacts of surgery for endometriosis on fertility, including pregnancy achieved spontaneously and with assisted reproductive technology (ART).

RECENT FINDINGS

Endometriosis' effect on fertility is multifactorial. The sequela of increased inflammation resulting from endometriosis causes alterations in ovarian, tubal, and uterine function. Removing or destroying these lesions reduces inflammation. Surgical treatment of both early-stage endometriosis and deeply infiltrating endometriosis improves spontaneous pregnancy rates and ART pregnancy rates. Conventional or robotic laparoscopy is the preferred surgical approach.

SUMMARY

Endometriosis has detrimental effects on fertility, including negative impacts on oocyte, tubal, and endometrial function. Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis elevates both spontaneous and ART pregnancy rates above those achieved with expectant management alone. The resection or destruction of endometriosis implants reduces inflammation, which likely improves the multifactorial infertility related to endometriosis. This topic is complex and controversial; more research in the form of high-quality randomized control trials is needed.

Regional Variation in Hormonal and Metabolic Parameters of White and Black Women With PCOS in the United States

CONTEXT

Ongoing research is needed to determine geo-epidemiologic differences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OBJECTIVE

Determine hormonal and metabolic parameters of women with PCOS in 2 environments.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care based specialty clinics in Alabama and California.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1610 women with PCOS by National Institutes of Health Criteria from 1987 to 2010.

INTERVENTIONS

Interview, physical examination, laboratory studies.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Demographic data, menstrual cycle history, and hormonal and metabolic parameters were collected. Hirsutism was defined as modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores ≥4. Androgen values greater than laboratory reference ranges or >95th percentile of all values were considered elevated (hyperandrogenemia). Metabolic parameters included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), glucose tolerance test, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores.

RESULTS

Alabama women with PCOS were younger with a higher BMI. After adjustment for age and BMI, Alabama women with PCOS were more likely hirsute (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4; P < 0.001), with elevated HOMA-IR scores (adjusted beta coefficient 3.6; 95% CI, 1.61-5.5; P < 0.001). California women with PCOS were more likely to have hyperandrogenemia (free testosterone aOR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.11-0.18; P < 0.001; total testosterone aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.33-0.51). Results were similar when stratified by White race. In Black women with PCOS, BMI and WHR did not differ between locations, yet differences in androgen profiles and metabolic dysfunction remained.

CONCLUSION

Alabama women with PCOS, regardless of Black or White race, were more likely hirsute with metabolic dysfunction, whereas California women with PCOS were more likely to demonstrate hyperandrogenemia, highlighting potential environmental impacts on PCOS.

Ovarian volume as an independent marker for metabolic dysfunction in women with suspected androgen excess

Objective

To determine whether ovarian volume (OV) alone is an independent marker for metabolic dysfunction in women with suspected androgen excess.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic reproductive endocrinology clinic.

Patients

Women aged ≥21 years recruited/referred for symptoms related to androgen excess.

Interventions

Transvaginal ovarian ultrasound, physical and medical evaluation, 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), and blood sampling.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of hyperandrogenism and metabolic dysfunction.

Results

This study included 666 women, of whom 412 (61.9%) and 254 had OVs of >10 and ≤10 mL, respectively. An OV of >10 mL was associated with a higher prevalence of hirsutism (65.1% vs. 51.5%) than an OV of ≤10 mL. Polycystic ovary syndrome by the National Institutes of Health 1990 criteria was found in 67.3% and 51.4% of women with OVs of >10 and ≤10 mL, respectively. Metabolic parameters, including body mass index, waist circumference, and 1-hour insulin levels during the oGTT (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.31), were significantly higher in women with an OV of >10 mL than in those with an OV of ≤10 mL. An OV of ≤10 mL had a 76.3% negative predictive value for hyperinsulinemia at 1 hour.

Conclusions

In women with suspected androgen excess, an OV of >10 mL in at least 1 ovary is not associated with metabolic syndrome but is associated with younger age; an increased body mass index and waist circumference; a higher prevalence of hirsutism, oligoovulation, and polycystic ovary syndrome; and a higher 60-minute insulin level during the oGTT. Overall, an increased OV appears to be a good marker for hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism in women suspected of having an androgen excess disorder.