OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the frequency of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) by using different criteria in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS and METHODS:

The study group consisted of 182 patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and 182 age matched controls. MetS frequency was separately investigated in the two groups according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel (NCEP), World Health Organization (WHO), American Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute (AHA/NCLBI), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Rotterdam MetS criteria.

RESULTS:

Except for the AHA/NCLBI criterion, all criteria showed significantly higher MetS prevalence in patients with PCOS as compared to the control group. This difference was more prominent especially at younger age. The highest frequency of MetS (26%) was observed according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. The lower cutoff values of waist circumference and fasting glucose level in the IDF criteria has made it the most discriminative MetS definition for identifying risky individuals for MetS in patients with PCOS.

DISCUSSION:

Development of MetS may begin at younger ages in PCOS patients by using IDF, NCEP and Rotterdam criteria. As the most important approach for treatment and management of MetS against future cardiovascular events is the preventive strategy, categorizing more women with MetS according to the most discriminative criteria can also be a useful method for identifying the individuals under greater risk to prevent the developmental effects of MetS in patients with PCOS.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome