Increased Prevalence of Adverse Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan in Those Affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Canadian Population Cohort
Donna F. Vine, Mahua Ghosh, Ting Wang, Jeffrey A. Bakal
Abstract
BACKGROUNDPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common metabolic-endocrine disorder impacting the health and quality of life of women over the lifespan. It is important we have evidence-based data on the scope of adverse health outcomes in those affected by PCOS in order to improve health care and quality of life in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in those with PCOS compared to age-matched controls.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective observational case-control study in those diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched controls using the Alberta Health Services Health Analytics database and International Classification of Disease from 2002-2018 in Alberta, Canada.RESULTSThe cohort consisted of n=16531 exposed PCOS cases and n= 49335 age-matched un-exposed controls. Hypertension, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, eating disorders, mental illness, depression-anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections and all malignancies were 20-40% (p<0.0001) higher in those with PCOS compared to controls. The prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes was 2-3 fold higher in PCOS (p<0.001). Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease were 30-50% higher and occurred 3-4 yrs earlier in those with PCOS(p<0.0001), and there was a 2-fold higher prevalence of dementia in those with PCOS compared to controls.CONCLUSIONThese findings show PCOS is associated with a higher prevalence of morbidities over the lifespan, and provides evidence of the potential scope of health care burden in women affected by PCOS.