Application of body composition analysis in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome

Objective To explore the prevalence andrelevant factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the relationship with the body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted with the questionnaire responses, blood biochemical examination, and body composition analysis results in 90 obese PCOS patients who accepted weight management in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, from April 2013 to July 2015. We calculated homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), visceral fat index (VAI) and lipid accumulation index (LAP); identified patients with MS using the International Diabetes Federation consensus definition issued in 2005. Measurement data were compared using t-test; categorical data were compared using chi-square test; relevant factors of MS wereidentified using Logistic regression analysis. Results The mean body mass index (BMI) of the obese PCOS patients was (32.89 ±3.39)kg/m2; the MS prevalence was 64.44% (58/90). The MS group had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglyceride (TG), fasting insulin level, HOMA-IR, LAP and VAI compared to the non-MS group (all P< 0.05); lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)than in the non-MS group (P<0.05); higher lean body mass index (LBMI)than in the non-MS group [(18.83 ± 1.73)kg/m2vs. (17.96 ± 1.33)kg/m2,t=2.46, P=0.02]. The other body composition indexes showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis found that MS was positively correlated with SBP (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.08-1.33)and VAI (OR=3.12, 95% CI=3.12-7.25), but not with any body composition index. Conclusions Over half of obese PCOS patients have MS, and those with MS present with more severe dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR) and higher levels of VAI, LAP and LBMI. The presence of MS in obese PCOS patients may be positively correlated with SBP and VAI, but not with the body composition measured by BIA. Obese PCOS patients need to strictly control their weight. BIA method may not be applicable for PCOS patients with BMI≥34 kg/m2. Key words: Obesity; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Metabolic syndrome; Bioelectrical impedance analysis; Body composition