Key result
PCOS in adolescent females is linked to substantially higher PWV, indicating early vascular dysfunction.
Why the study?
Clinical, sonographic, and endophenotypic features of PCOS have been underinvestigated or inconclusive, particularly during early stages in adolescence and young adulthood.
Do adolescent and young adult females with PCOS exhibit early signs of vascular and autonomic dysfunction compared to healthy controls?
Case-Control (n=37)
Do adolescent and young adult females with PCOS exhibit early signs of vascular and autonomic dysfunction compared to healthy controls?
Effect estimate: Hedge's g 0.964 (95% CI 0.296-1.632)
Adolescent and young adult females with PCOS show early signs of vascular dysfunction and hypertension predisposition compared to healthy controls.
May indicate early vascular risk in adolescent PCOS; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before clinical adoption.
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder in which clinical, sonographic, and endophenotypic features have been underinvestigated or inconclusive, especially in the early stages of the disease (adolescence/young adulthood). OBJECTIVE: This prospective pilot study focused on the differences of multiple physiological functions between Greek adolescent/young adult females suffering from PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)- matched healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen PCOS patients and eighteen healthy controls (aged 13 to 23 years) were studied for: (i) biochemical and hormonal dysfunction by measuring circulating glucose, insulin, and androgen levels; (ii) arterial stiffness with pulse wave analysis (PWA) by Sphygmocord; (iii) intima-media thickness (IMT) by ultrasound; (iv) heart rate variability (HRV) by Task Force Monitor; and (v) QT, QRS, QT, P, QRSD by electrocardiogram (ECG). Statistical analysis included Hedge's g correction for small samples bias, and the results are shown using the Hedge's g effect size and 95% CI, in line with precision medicine prerequisites. RESULTS: Significant differences in pulse wave velocity (PWV) (g = 0.964 [0.296, 1.632]), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) carotid (g = -0.679 [-1.329, -0.030]), pulse pressure (PP) carotid (g = 0.942 [0.275, 1.608]), systolic pressure (SP) carotid (g = 0.785 [0.129, 1.440]), free-testosterone (g = 0.677 [0.042, 0.312]), and Delta4-androstenedione (g = 0.735 [0.097, 0.373]) were observed between PCOS patients and controls. No differences were detected in the remaining endocrine and PWA or ECG biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Our multidisciplinary approach showed early onset of vascular dysfunction, predisposition to hypertension, thermoregulation delays, and metabolic syndrome changes in adolescent/young adult PCOS.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Geronikolou et al. (2022) conducted a case-control in Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n=37). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) vs. Age- and BMI-matched healthy controls was evaluated on Pulse wave velocity (PWV) (Hedge's g 0.964, 95% CI 0.296-1.632). Adolescent females with PCOS demonstrated significantly higher pulse wave velocity than matched healthy controls (Hedge's g 0.964; 95% CI 0.296-1.632), indicating early vascular dysfunction.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: