Haemoglobin, C‐reactive protein and androgen levels in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.