Serologic markers of autoimmunity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Study objectiveTo evaluate serum levels of the common autoimmune markers, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).DesignA prospective case control study.SettingAin Shams University Maternity Hospital.Materials and methodsThe included women were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 50 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam Criteria (2003), and group 2 included 50 age-matched, healthy, fertile control women seeking contraception in the outpatient clinic. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to evaluate the ovaries and uterus. Blood samples were obtained from all included women, who were in the follicular phase (days 3–7 of spontaneous menses or progestin-induced withdrawal bleeding) to determine serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and for serological tests namely ANA and anti-dsDNA.Main outcome measureSerum levels of ANA and dsDNA in women with PCOS.ResultsThe mean serum levels of ANA were 9.0 ± 6.1 U/mL in group 1 versus 5.4 ± 2.3 U/mL, in group 2 (p < 0.001). The mean serum levels of anti-dsDNA were significantly higher in women of group 1 when compared to those of group 2 (56.3 ± 25.7 IU/mL versus 26.0 ± 10.8 IU/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). The best cut-off value of serum ANA levels in group 1 was >9.8 U/mL, with sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 88.9%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 0.944%.The best cut-off value of serum anti-dsDNA levels was >74 IU/mL, with sensitivity and specificity of 78.5% and 100.0%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 92.3%, respectively, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 0.878%.Major conclusionsThere is an association between PCOS and autoimmune markers such as ANA and anti-dsDNA which might affect the clinical management of those women.