To investigate the prevalence of systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders in women with PCOS and explore the interrelations between different PCOS phenotypes and susceptibility to autoimmune disturbances, highlighting the significance of these associations.
Key Findings:
20.3% prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) among PCOS women, with increased significance in obese patients.
Subclinical or overt hypothyroidism observed in 13.45% of patients; hyperthyroidism in 1%.
AIT prevalence increased in obese PCOS patients (23.6% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.045).
2.3% of PCOS women had concomitant non-thyroid autoimmune disorders, with psoriasis being the most common.
Interpretation:
Autoimmune disorders affect 22.6% of women with PCOS, indicating a potential link between PCOS phenotypes and autoimmune susceptibility, particularly in obese patients, which may have important clinical implications.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may limit causality conclusions and introduce biases.
Data collection reliant on existing medical records, which may have incomplete information.
Conclusion:
Further studies are needed to explore the associations between PCOS, autoimmune disorders, and potential clinical implications, especially in diabetic women with PCOS, to enhance understanding and treatment strategies.
