Hepatic steatosis in young lean insulin resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To investigate the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR).

Design

Case control study.

Setting

Women with PCOS and healthy controls in a metabolic day ward.

Patient(s)

Seventeen young lean women with PCOS and 17 matched controls were studied prospectively.

Intervention(s)

Fasting blood and a glucose tolerance test. Ovarian and liver ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) of the liver (women with PCOS only).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Anthropometric variables, biochemical and hormonal parameters, and several IR indices were determined. Hepatic lipid content was assessed with ultrasonography and CT of the liver.

Result(s)

Women with PCOS had higher androgen levels, and the IR indices, glucose and insulin area under the curve, QUICKI, MATSUDA, and HOMA, compared to controls. In addition to IR, women with PCOS had normal aminotransferase levels, and higher, although within the normal range, alkaline phosphatase levels compared with controls. Women with PCOS had no evidence of NAFLD by either ultrasonography or CT of the liver.

Conclusion(s)

Young lean women with PCOS and IR do not have evidence of NAFLD. Because of the presence of IR, follow-up is required to determine whether they are at risk of developing NAFLD.

Key Words: NAFLD, insulin resistance, PCOS