Excess Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk is not Manifested in all Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Aim: To assess the potential differences in the metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between the distinct phenotypes of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) according to the Rotterdam definition regardless of body mass index (BMI). Patients-Methods: The study included 300 women; 240 women with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria and 60 controls without PCOS. All women were further subdivided, according to their BMI, into normal-weight and over-weight/obese and PCOS women were furthermore subdivided in 4 phenotypes of the syndrome. A complete hormonal and metabolic profile as well as the levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) were measured. Outcomes: Levels of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (hsCRP and Lp-PLA(2)), levels of evaluated CVD risk score using risk engines, and several correlations of CVD risk factors. Results: hsCRP levels were higher but not significantly so in PCOS women compared with controls. In lean PCOS patients, Lp-PLA(2) levels were significantly higher, compared with lean controls, mainly in the 2 classic phenotypes. Over-weight/obese patients in all 4 phenotypes had significantly higher Lp-PLA(2) levels compared with overweight/obese controls. Evaluated CVD risk according to 4 risk engines was not different among phenotypes and between PCOS patients and controls. There were several correlations of risk factors with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease requiring appropriate treatment. Conclusion: Only 2 of 4 Rotterdam phenotypes, identical with those of the classic PCOS definition, have excess cardiometabolic risk. These need to be treated to prevent CVD events.