ESPE Abstracts

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescence has a challenging diagnosis and therefore has raised intense discussions. Its prevalence in childbearing age women ranges from 5 to 10%. However, the prevalence in obese adolescents has not yet been reported. Besides, the relationship of PCOS with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in this specific population has not been established.

Objective and hypotheses: We aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PCOS in a population of obese adolescents treated at a quaternary hospital. The hypotheses was that PCOS was frequent in obese adolescents.

Method: We performed a cross-sectional study with 49 postmenarcheal obese adolescents with a mean age of 14.7 years. Anthropometric assessment and review of medical records were performed. Clinical and laboratory hyperandrogenism were quantified using Ferriman-Gallwey index and androgenic dosage, respectively. The ovarian morphology was evaluated by supra-pubic ultrasound. All patients had their metabolic profiles evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of PCOS in obese adolescents, according to the new guideline for PCOS in adolescence of the American Pediatric Endocrinology Society, was 18.4%. When assessed by the Rotterdam, the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society and the National Institute of Health criteria, the prevalence of PCOS was 26.4, 22.4 and 20.4%, respectively. Menstrual irregularity was found in 65.3% of the patients. Clinical hyperandrogenism was observed in 16.3 and 18.4% had total testosterone concentrations above the normal range. Ultrasonography revealed that 18.4% had polycystic ovaries. Obese adolescents with PCOS had higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS in obese adolescents is high compared to that observed in the literature.