A study of central fat accumulation indices amongst different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes

Women with PCOS remain at a high risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, risk being more in obese women. Monitoring of these may be done using the central fat indices, which are inexpensive and simple. The objective of the study was to evaluate the various central fat accumulation indices amongst the different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes.
Method: 100 women aged 18-40 year fulfilling Rotterdam criteria for diagnosis of PCOS were selected. Height, weight, waist circumference and lipid profile were measured and BMI, Lipid accumulation product and Visceral adiposity index were calculated. Body Fat Percentage was measured by the Body Fat Analyser using the bioelectrical impedance method. Data was analysed and conclusions drawn.
Results: Women with hyperandrogenic PCOS [phenotypes A (HA+OD+PCO), B(HA+OD), C(HA+PCO)] (33. 3% of total) presented with raised central fat accumulation indices including BMI (mean:25. 04), BFA (mean: 29. 85), VAI (mean:182. 06) and LAP (mean:1802. 63), compared with women with non-hyperandrogenic PCOS [phenotype D (OD+PCO)] (67% of total); BMI (mean:20. 85), BFA (mean:22. 94), VAI (mean:128. 4) and LAP (mean:624. 19). Amongst women with hyperandrogenic PCOS, the central fat accumulation indices were maximally raised in phenotype A.
Conclusion: Though all women with PCOS should be targeted for prevention, screening, and management of cardiometabolic features, women with hyperandrogenic PCOS should be monitored more closely since they tend to have raised central fat accumulation indices compared with non-hyperandrogenic PCOS.