HIGHER RISK OF PREECLAMPSIA IN THE POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME - A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective: To determine whether the risk of pregnancy-induced hyperten sive disorders (PIHD) is higher in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than in non-PCOS controls, matched for age and parity. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of eighty-one patients with PCOS , consecutively becoming pregnant during a seven-year period. Each PCO S-patient was matched for age and parity with one control patient. Chi -squared, Mann-Whitney or Fisher's exact-tests were used for statistic al analysis. Results: Overall incidence of PIHD was similar in both st udy groups. However, incidence of preeclampsia was significantly highe r in patients with PCOS than in controls (P = 0.02). This higher incid ence can not be explained by body mass index, endocrine profile before pregnancy, induction of ovulation or treatment regimens. Conclusions: PCOS-patients are at a significantly higher risk for preeclampsia tha n non-PCOS controls. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.