Objective—To evaluate UAE in normotensive and non-diabetic women with PCOS in relation to
their clinical, endocrine and metabolic profiles. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated
with increased cardiovascular risks including evidence of altered endothelial function. Urinary
albumin excretion (UAE) is closely related to endothelial function and closely correlates with
nephropathy and adverse cardiovascular endpoints.
Design—Observational study.
Setting—University fertility center.
Patient(s)—Sixty-three women with PCOS were evaluated.
Intervention(s)—Clinical assessments and urine and blood testing.
Main Outcome Measure(s)—UAE, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of LH,
FSH, prolactin, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, glucose, insulin, lipids, C-reactive protein and
24-hour urinary free cortisol.
Result(s)—In univariate and multivariate correlation analysis, UAE correlated with diastolic blood
pressure, insulin area under the curve during glucose tolerance test, prolactin and 17-
hydroxyprogesterone. Overt microalbuminuria was detected in a significant proportion of subjects.
Conclusion(s)—Urinary albumin excretion in women with PCOS correlates well with other
cardiovascular risk factors. Since the relationship between UAE and adverse cardiovascular events
is continuous, evaluation of UAE in the presence of PCOS may provide clinically relevant
information and may aid in selecting appropriate patients for more aggressive treatment of likely
aggravating factors, such as hyperinsulinemia or borderline hypertension