Familial associations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm whether there was a familial association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thromboembolic disease, ovarian or breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A university hospital in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
Two hundred and seventeen women with and without PCOS under the care of the same consultant gynecologist at a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey.


METHODS
Prevalence of a personal or positive family history of thromboembolism, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and heart attacks.


RESULTS
In an analysis of the replies from 41 women with PCOS and 66 controls, we found a statistically significant positive family history of breast cancer and heart attacks among women with PCOS. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean age, ethnic origin, or prevalence of a family history of other diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show a positive association between polycystic ovary syndrome and a family history of breast cancer and heart disease. These associations may be genetic in origin, or secondary to a complex interplay of genetic, intrauterine, and environmental factors. More studies are required to confirm these findings and determine the factors that explain these associations.
Atiomo
William U
WU
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Human Development, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom. william.atiomo@nottingham.ac.uk
El-Mahdi
Essam
E
Hardiman
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics*