A Comparison of Polysomnographic Variables between Adolescents with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Healthy Controls

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is clearly increased in adults with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The symptoms of PCOS usually begin around menarche. However, data concerning poly¬somnographic variables in adolescents with PCOS are limited. As obesity is a well-known risk factor for OSAS, we aimed to analyze differences in polysomnographic variables between obese and extremely obese adolescents with PCOS and healthy, normal-weight, obese, and extremely obese controls. Methods: Sixteen obese and 17 extremely obese adolescents with PCOS, 18 normal-weight, 17 obese, and 13 extremely obese controls underwent polysomno¬graphy to compare mean transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (Sat O2), apnea-index (AI), hypopnea- index (HI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the absolute number of obstructive apneas (NOA), percentage sleep stages 3 and 4 of non REM-sleep (stages 3 & 4), percentage of REM-sleep (% REM), sleep-onset latency, and sleep efficiency. Results: We found no significant differences between the groups concerning AI, HI, AHI, NOA, and stages 3 & 4. Significant differ¬ences between the groups were found regarding Sat O2, % REM, sleep-onset latency, and sleep efficiency. Conclusions: Concerning the respiratory variables, adolescents with PCOS do not seem to differ from healthy controls regardless of weight status, but there seem to be differences in sleep architecture.