Prevalence and clinical correlates of metabolic syndrome among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Western Algeria: a cross-sectional study.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational study
PubMed 42270098 · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-115090
What was done
A cross-sectional study evaluated 313 women aged 16–45 years diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using Rotterdam 2004 criteria from outpatient endocrinology and gynecology services in Oran, western Algeria. Researchers measured the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and compared anthropometric (BMI), metabolic (fasting glucose, lipids), hormonal (LH, FSH, total testosterone, AMH, progesterone, vitamin D), and clinical features (hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity, infertility) between patients with and without metabolic syndrome.
What was found
Of 313 participants, 181 (57.9%) had metabolic syndrome. Compared to PCOS patients without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher BMI (26.70 ± 5.93 vs 25.06 ± 6.47 kg/m²; p = 0.004) and higher fasting glucose (133.43 ± 28.52 vs 105.41 ± 28.54 mg/dL; p < 0.0001). They also showed significantly higher triglycerides, lower HDL-C, elevated LH, higher LH/FSH ratio, elevated total testosterone, higher AMH, and lower progesterone and vitamin D concentrations (all p < 0.0001; exact numerical values for these markers were not reported in the abstract). Clinical hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity, and secondary infertility were also significantly more prevalent in this group.
Why it matters
This study establishes regional prevalence data showing that over half of Algerian women with PCOS have co-occurring metabolic syndrome. It highlights the need to integrate early metabolic and cardiovascular screening into standard reproductive management for this population.
Limits
The cross-sectional design cannot establish causality or determine the direction of effects between endocrine disruptions and metabolic syndrome. The study was restricted to outpatient clinics in a single Algerian region, which may limit generalizability, and the abstract omits exact numerical values for several lipid and hormonal parameters.
Cited by
- context Approximately 80% of PCOS patients have insulin resistance.