Reports summarize polycystic ovarian syndrome research from Karadeniz Technical University
March 16th, 2009
2009 MAR 16 -- Researchers detail in 'Diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) in women with ovulatory and anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome,' new data in polycystic ovarian syndrome. According to a study from Trabzon, Turkey, "Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is very difficult in women with ovulatory cycles. We assessed the diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) in women with ovulatory or anovulatory PCOS."
"Study group consisted of 62 women with PCOS and 35 healthy female controls. PCOS group was divided into two subgroups as anovulatory (n=42; 68%, Group A) and ovulatory group (n=20; 32%, Group B). A cut-off level of PSA and fPSA was established for the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, area under curve, diagnostic accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of diagnosis of PCOS. In group A, a PSA level of greater than 10 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 73.2%, a specificity of 80%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73%, with a positive predictive value of 88.2% and a negative predictive value of 59.3%. An fPSA level of greater than 2.1 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 71.2%, a specificity of 80.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87%, with a positive predictive value of 87.2% and a negative predictive value of 58.4%. In group B, a PSA level of greater than 10 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 65%, a specificity of 80%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73%, with a positive predictive value of 76.5% and a negative predictive value of 69.6%. An fPSA level of greater than 2.1 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 65.4%, a specificity of 80.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87%, with a positive predictive value of 75.5% and a negative predictive value of 68.4%. Circulating androgens and hirsutism are independently associated with the degrees of PSA and fPSA in PCOS women," wrote K. UKINC and colleagues, Karadeniz Technical University.
The researchers concluded: "Increased plasma levels of PSA (>10 pg/ml) and fPSA (>2.1 pg/ml) could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for women with ovulatory or anovulatory PCOS."
UKINC and colleagues published their study in Endocrine (Diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) in women with ovulatory and anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrine, 2009;35(1):123-9).
For more information, contact K. UKINC, Karadeniz Technical University, Dept. of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Trabzon, Turkey.
Publisher contact information for the journal Endocrine is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.
