Objective: We studied a possible association between pregnancy complications and blood/serum levels of haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, sex hormones and lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Material and methods: Twenty-one women with polycystic ovary syndrome were followed prospectively from the first trimester to delivery. Women with pregnancy complications (n=10) were compared to women without complications (n=11). Outcome measures were blood/serum levels of haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free testosterone index, oestrogens and lipids.
Results: Haemoglobin levels were higher in complicated pregnancies compared to uncomplicated pregnancies throughout the complete pregnancy, while C-reactive protein levels were higher for complicated pregnancies at gestational weeks 19 and 32. Serum levels of lipids, androgens and oestrogens did not differ throughout pregnancy.
Conclusion: In women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy complications were associated with elevated blood/serum levels of haemoglobin and C-reactive protein. Androgen, oestrogen and lipid levels did not differ between groups.