Abstract:

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also called hyperandrogenic anovulation (HA) or Stein- Leventhal syndrome. Aim of the study: to evaluate serum levels of the common autoimmune markers, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Study design: A prospective case control study. The included women were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 50 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam Criteria (2003) (study group), and group 2 included 50 healthy, fertile, age matched women (control group). Transvaginal ultrasound performed to evaluate the ovaries and uterus. Blood samples were obtained from all included women, who were in the follicular phase (days 3–7 of spontaneous menses or progestin induced withdrawal bleeding) to determine serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and for serological tests namely ANA and anti-dsDNA. Results: In this study, there was significant difference between both groups regarding BMI in which the mean was 28.1±1.3 in study group while. 23.8±1.6 in control group. In women with PCOS, there was reduced gravidity and parity than the control group. In women of PCOS group (28%) had primary infertility, (40%) had secondary infertility, (32%) were fertile while (90%) were fertile in control group. The means of serum levels of LH, LH to FSH ratio, TSH were significantly higher in PCOS group than control group. The mean serum level of ANA was 1.01±0.79 IU/mL in PCOS group versus 0.58±0.44 IU/mL in control group with (P value 0.001) which is statistically significant. The mean serum level of anti-dsDNA was significantly higher in women of PCOS group when compared to those of control group (26.05±14.29 IU/mL versus 17.39±9.43 IU/mL respectively). The (P value 0.001) which is statistically significant. Conclusion: There is an association between PCOS and autoimmune markers such as ANA and anti-dsDNA that might affect the clinical management of those women.

Keywords: