Predictors of urinary albumin excretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To evaluate urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in normotensive and nondiabetic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in relation to their clinical, endocrine, and metabolic profiles.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

University fertility center.

Patient(s)

Sixty-three women with PCOS were evaluated.

Intervention(s)

Clinical assessments and urine and blood testing.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Urinary albumin excretion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of LH, FSH, PRL, T, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, glucose, insulin, lipids, C-reactive protein, and 24-hour urinary free cortisol.

Result(s)

In univariate and multivariate correlation analysis, UAE correlated with diastolic blood pressure, insulin area under the curve during glucose tolerance test, PRL, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Overt microalbuminuria was detected in a significant proportion of subjects.

Conclusion(s)

Urinary albumin excretion in women with PCOS correlates well with other cardiovascular risk factors. Because the relationship between UAE and adverse cardiovascular events is continuous, evaluation of UAE in the presence of PCOS may provide clinically relevant information and may aid in selecting appropriate patients for more aggressive treatment of likely aggravating factors, such as hyperinsulinemia or borderline hypertension.

Key Words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, urinary albumin, endothelial function