Polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy outcome: red herring or red flag?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, associated with a characteristic ovarian appearance at ultrasound scan, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory disorders. The pathogenesis appears to be mainly related to reduced insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, leading to hyperinsulinaemia. There is a wide variation in the severity of PCOS symptoms. Women with PCOS are believed to be predisposed to a variety of complications in pregnancy. We present a summary of the evidence surrounding these claims and discuss the weaknesses of the available to date studies.
Siassakos
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility clinic, Cotswold Centre, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. jsiasakos@hotmail.com
Wardle
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P
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors