[Liver enzymes disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS commonly display a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Some recent studies have also shown an association between PCOS and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The aim of the present study was to investigate liver enzymes in Iranian women with PCOS and controls to explore determine any possible independent effects of PCOS on liver enzymes

Materials and Methods: Sixty PCOS and sixty non-PCOS women were studied at Vali-e- Asr Hospital of Tehran University. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. Data were obtained from patient's files and analyzed using SSPS version 19

Results: Gamma glutamyltransferase [GGT] level and BMI were significantly higher in PCOS women than in controls [p=0.001]. No significant differences were found between groups regarding age or serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, fasting glucose, fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR. GGT was significantly higher in lean PCOS women compared to their controls [p=0.002], although there was no significant differences in GGT levels between overweight/obese PCOS women and overweight/obese controls, and hence no correlation between BMI and GGT

Conclusion: Considering the association between PCOS and NAFLD, women with PCOS should be screened for liver disease

[Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy]

Leg cramps are common painful spasms especially in the lower extremities during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to find a suitable alternative in the treatment of the disease. 217 patients reported leg cramps with different degrees and frequencies among 401 pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancies who visited the Prenatal Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital from July to December 2002. After preliminary evaluations for ruling out electrolyte imbalances or insufficient supply of dietary micronutrients, patients were randomly allocated into supplemental therapy [Calcium, magnesium or vitamin B intake for 2 weeks] and control groups. The groups were compared after 4 weeks according to their complete relief from leg cramps. The clinical findings and the data collected from the patients were analyzed by chisquare and t-student tests and a logistic regression model using the SPSS [V.[10]] software. There was a significant improvement in patients receiving vitamin B with 71% complete and 19% relative relief from leg cramps, compared to 9% complete relief in the control group- 29% and 52% in the groups receiving magnesium and calcium respectively [p<0.0001]. Although the high prevalence of leg cramps [55%] in the patients was not necessaryly related to dietary habits, but it seemed that supplementing symptomatic patients with vitamin B could be beneficial