Lipid levels in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the magnitude and pattern of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and nonhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) versus control women.


METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of lipid levels in published cross-sectional studies worldwide where PCOS women and controls were examined and sampled.


METHODS
Differences in plasma lipids (including triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and nonHDL-cholesterol) in PCOS versus control subjects were calculated. Comparisons were made with and without body mass index (BMI) matching.


RESULTS
Triglyceride levels were 26 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 17-35) higher and HDL-cholesterol concentrations 6 mg/dL (95% CI 4-9) lower in women with PCOS. Also, LDL-cholesterol and nonHDL-cholesterol concentrations were higher in PCOS: by 12 mg/dL (95% CI 10-16) and 19 mg/dL (95% CI 16-22), respectively. With BMI matching, LDL-cholesterol and nonHDL-cholesterol were still higher in PCOS: by 9 mg/dL (95% CI 6-12) and 16 mg/dL (95% CI 14-19), respectively. LDL-cholesterol and nonHDL-cholesterol differences were greater with National Institutes of Health criteria [15 mg/dL (95% CI 13-17) and 21 mg/dL (95% CI 16-25), respectively] versus Rotterdam criteria [8 mg/dL (95% CI 5-12) and 17 (95% CI 13-22), respectively].


CONCLUSIONS
Dyslipidemia is common in PCOS. Beyond known alterations in triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, women with PCOS have higher LDL-cholesterol and nonHDL-cholesterol, regardless of BMI. We recommend that all women with PCOS be screened for dyslipidemia, including LDL-cholesterol and nonHDL-cholesterol determinations, for effective cardiovascular risk prevention.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Robert A
RA
Wild
Manfredi
M
Rizzo
Sheri
S
Clifton
Enrico
E
Carmina
D015992:Body Mass Index; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012307:Risk Factors
D008055:Lipids