The prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: Patients included 39 obese (body mass index Z score >/= 2) adolescent females with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical and biochemical data in these patients were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose intolerance were the main outcome measures of the study. RESULTS: The study showed that 15.4 % (6 of 39) of patients had elevated aminotransferase levels, suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 43.6 % (17 of 39) of patients qualified as having metabolic syndrome. Finally, 10.2 % (4 of 39) of patients were found to have both liver dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Liver dysfunction consistent with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome are prevalent in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, early screening and further work-up for both disease states are warranted in cases of young adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.