The Prevalence of Abnormal Liver Enzymes and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Adolescent Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

ObjectivesWe sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.DesignA retrospective chart review.ParticipantsPatients included 39 obese (body mass index Z score ≥ 2) adolescent females with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical and biochemical data in these patients were reviewed.Main Outcome MeasuresAspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose intolerance were the main outcome measures of the study.ResultsThe study showed that 15.4 % (6 of 39) of patients had elevated aminotransferase levels, suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 43.6 % (17 of 39) of patients qualified as having metabolic syndrome. Finally, 10.2 % (4 of 39) of patients were found to have both liver dysfunction and metabolic syndrome.ConclusionLiver dysfunction consistent with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome are prevalent in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, early screening and further work-up for both disease states are warranted in cases of young adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.