HbA1c in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Potential Marker of Inflammation

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is associated with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated risk of metabolic complications. hs-CRP is the most reliable marker of inflammation in PCOS patients. When hs-CRP is elevated, it can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the study was to determine if a certain value of HbA1c in PCOS patients should alert clinicians to increased inflammation (as defined by hs- CRP >2 mg/l), thus potentially be indicative of increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A cohort study was conducted on female patients between the ages of 20 to 45 years who fulfilled the National Institute of Health criteria for PCOS. Deidentified data of 46 patients with PCOS were obtained. All clinical tests were conducted after a 12 hr overnight fast. hs-CRP was measured by latex-enhanced immunonephelometry. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between hs-CRP and HbA1c. When various HbA1c levels were considered, a cutoff of 5.3% correctly classified patients with hs-CRP >2 mg/l at 80.4%. Sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity was 75%. An HbA1c cut off of 5.3% may be appropriate to initiate efforts for early detection of increased inflammation as a potential sign of risk for cardiovascular disease.