HIGH-SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Abstract
Objective: To assess the inflammation evaluated by high sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hsCRP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy women without PCOS. Methods: This was a retrospective, case control, observational study. The study group included 31 patients with PCOS and 29 healthy patients matched for age and body mass index (BMI) but without PCOS (control group). PCOS was diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria. Results: Patients with PCOS had higher mean hsCRP levels compared with healthy controls: 3.89±2.75 mg/l in PCOS group and 2.61±1.81 mg/l in the control group, p=0.04. The difference was no longer significant after adjustment for BMI. In the PCOS group hsCRP was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat area, body fat mass and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Conclusion: hsCRP levels are increased in patients with PCOS and are correlated with obesity, fat accumulation and not with the presence of PCOS per se.