Alterations in nasal mucociliary activity in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It can affect various organ systems, and respiratory mucosa has been reported as being hormone responsive. Study design: A case-control study consisting of 50 women with PCOS and 30 control subjects matched for age and body mass index was conducted, in order to investigate nasal mucociliary clearance time (NMCT) in patients with PCOS. Serum basal hormonal-biochemical parameters and NMCT were evaluated on menstrual cycle days 2-5 for all participants. Results: The mean NMCT in PCOS and control groups was 10.45 +/- 2.88 and 6.92 +/- 1.78, respectively (p = 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between NMCT and duration of disease (r= 0.52; p = 0.001), serum total testosterone level (r = 0.28; p = 0.04), and luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (r= 0.29; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PCOS is associated with altered NMCT. Prolonged NMCT predisposes patients to respiratory tract and middle ear infections, and clinicians should be aware of this. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.