Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Relatives of Women with The Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the endocrine disorder that most affects the reproductive sphere during a woman's fertile period. Its causes are not known exactly. Genetic factors intervene in polycystic ovary syndrome that have been observed in members of the same family with manifestations of the syndrome.
Objective: To determine the frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome in relatives of women who suffer from it to know and determine if there is a hereditary aggregation pattern.
Methods: An analytical case-control study was carried out in 25 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 36 relatives, and 50 women without polycystic ovary syndrome and 65 relatives. They underwent a family tree, an interview that included family history, a physical examination and a gynecological ultrasound. Descriptive statistics were calculated, expressed as percentages. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions. A family aggregation study was carried out to determine the risk of suffering from the syndrome using 2x2 contingency tables with first-degree relatives, whether affected or not. The odds ratio was calculated as the magnitude of association.
Results: Polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed in 17 relatives of women with the syndrome and in 7 of the relatives of women without it. Having a mother with polycystic ovary syndrome increased the risk of suffering from it by six times and if she is a sister by 33 times.
Conclusions: Polycystic ovary syndrome is common in relatives of women with this diagnosis, but there is high risk of suffering from it if there is a relative who has it.