HbA1c in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Potential Marker of Inflammation.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is associated with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated risk of metabolic complications. hs-CRP is the most reliable marker of inflammation in PCOS patients. When hs-CRP is elevated, it can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the study was to determine if a certain value of HbA1c in PCOS patients should alert clinicians to increased inflammation (as defined by hs-CRP >2 mg/l), thus potentially be indicative of increased risk of cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
A cohort study was conducted on female patients between the ages of 20 to 45 years who fulfilled the National Institute of Health criteria for PCOS. De-identified data of 46 patients with PCOS were obtained. All clinical tests were conducted after a 12 hr overnight fast. hs-CRP was measured by latex-enhanced immunonephelometry. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between hs-CRP and HbA1c.


RESULTS
When various HbA1c levels were considered, a cutoff of 5.3% correctly classified patients with hs-CRP >2 mg/l at 80.4%. Sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity was 75%.


CONCLUSIONS
An HbA1c cut off of 5.3% may be appropriate to initiate efforts for early detection of increased inflammation as a potential sign of risk for cardiovascular disease.
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine-Wichita, University of Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Rami
R
Mortada
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine-Wichita, University of Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Ken James
KJ
Kallail
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine-Wichita, University of Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Frank
F
Dong
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, USA.
Sidika
S
Karakas
Cardiovasculer disease; HbA1c; Inflammation; Polycystic ovary syndrome; hs-CRP