An interesting abstract in the Journal of Pediatrics about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects the ovaries and produces menstrual abnormalities, excess male hormones, and elevated weight. Since many girls with PCOS are overweight, they are at increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) like obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and the metabolic syndrome.
Researchers studied 103 girls with PCOS and 90 controls, all ages 13-18 years old. Both groups were matched by age, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). The results showed that SDB occurred in 46% of the girls with PCOS versus 28% in controls. EDS occurred in 54% of girls with PCOS versus 36% of controls. The metabolic syndrome occured in 43% of girls with PCOS versus 16% of controls.
This means that girls with PCOS have a higher risk of having SDB and EDS than girls without PCOS, regardless of obesity. The researchers suggest that patients diagnosed with PCOS be referred to sleep physicians if they exhibit EDS or other sleep disturbances.
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