The Prevalence of Abnormal Liver Enzymes and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Adolescent Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objectives: We sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design: A retrospective chart review Participants: Patients included 39 obese (body mass index Z score >= 2) adolescent females with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical and biochemical data in these patients were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose intolerance were the main outcome measures of the study. Results: The study showed that 15.4% (6 of 39) of patients had elevated aminotransferase levels, suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 43.6% (17 of 39) of patients qualified as having metabolic syndrome. Finally, 10.2% (4 of 39) of patients were found to have both liver dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Liver dysfunction consistent with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome are prevalent in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, early screening and further work-up for both disease states are warranted in cases of young adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.