Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Benghazi- Libya: a Retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age and characterized by chronic anovulation; hyperan- drogenism; and polycystic ovaries. There are no published data on this syndrome in Libyan patients. Aims and objectives: To assess the frequency of clinical and biochemical features of PCOS in our patient population; and to compare this with data collected in other parts of the world. Subjects and methods: A retrospective analysis of patient records at the endocrine clinic in Benghazi was undertaken. Patient inclusion was according to Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. Clinical features; associated diseases; family history; hormone levels; and ultrasonography results were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the 318 PCOS patients at presentation was 25.8 years (range 15-44 years); and the majority (67) were 20-29 years old at presentation. Of all patients; 57were obese (BMI = 30); 93had oligo- / amenorrhea; 91were hirsute; and 74had ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 9of all PCOS patients and hypertension in 4. Total serum testosterone was elevated in 26of the patients; and serum prolactin was elevated in 31. Thyroid disease was noted among 5.3of the patients; and a history of diabetes or hypertension among first-degree relatives was seen in (16) and (8) of the patients respectively. Conclusion: Chronic anovulation and hirsutism are the dominant features of PCOS in our patient population. More than half were obese; and the prevalence of diabetes; hypertension and thyroid disease in our patients seemed to be underestimated in comparison to other parts of the world