RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with breast cancer and the independent effect of metabolic syndrome on breast cancer risk. METHODS: Eighty-one women aged 40-80 years with breast cancer and 81 controls of similar age were screened for metabolic syndrome prevalence and breast cancer risk factors, including age at diagnosis, age at menarche, reproductive status, live births, breastfeeding, family history of breast cancer, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Each variable was first assessed for baseline comparisons using the univariate model, and significant variables were then added to the multivariate conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 59.2% in breast cancer patients, and 37% in the control group (p < 0.005). A positive and independent association was observed between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer risk (odds ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval 1.17-5.30). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in breast cancer patients and is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de la Mama/epidemiología , Síndrome Metabólico/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Índice de Masa Corporal , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Menarquia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Actividad Motora , Paridad , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Tolerancia al Ejercicio/fisiología , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Anciano , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/fisiopatología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of obesity on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive analytic cross- sectional study was carried out. Thirty-nine (39) sedentary climacteric women, aged 45 to 60 years, were evaluated and submitted to polysomnography. The participants were divided into 4 groups: a) 'eutrophic non-OSA' (n = 13); b) 'eutrophic OSA' (n = 5); c) 'obese non-OSA' (n = 6); d) 'obese OSA' (n = 15). All subjects underwent clinical and anthropometric evaluation, followed by pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the predicted percentage values of FEV1/FVC when comparing 'eutrophic OSA' and 'obese OSA' (97.6% ± 6.1% vs. 105.7% ± 5.7%, respectively; p = 0.025). The other spirometric variables did not show any differences between the studied groups. There was no significant difference in the maximum distance walked when the 'eutrophic non-OSA', 'eutrophic OSA', 'obese non-OSA' and 'obese OSA' groups were compared. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study, OSA itself did not influence pulmonary function or functional capacity parameters compared to eutrophic women. However, not only isolated obesity but also obesity associated with OSA can negatively impact sleep quality and lung function.
Asunto(s)
Prueba de Esfuerzo/métodos , Tolerancia al Ejercicio/fisiología , Capacidad Residual Funcional/fisiología , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/fisiopatología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polisomnografía , Conducta Sedentaria , EspirometríaRESUMEN
Considering that myths and misconceptions regarding natural procreation spread rapidly in the era of easy access to information and to social networks, adequate counseling about natural fertility and spontaneous conception should be encouraged in any kind of health assistance. Despite the fact that there is no strong-powered evidence about any of the aspects related to natural fertility, literature on how to increase the chances of a spontaneous pregnancy is available. In the present article, the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO, in the Portuguese acronym) Committee on Endocrine Gynecology provides suggestions to optimize counseling for non-infertile people attempting spontaneous conception.
Uma vez que mitos e equívocos sobre a procriação natural se espalham rapidamente na era do fácil acesso à informação e às redes sociais, o aconselhamento adequado sobre a fertilidade natural e a concepção espontânea deve ser encorajado em qualquer tipo de assistência à saúde. Apesar do fato de não haver evidências fortes sobre qualquer dos aspectos relacionados à fertilidade natural, existe literatura sobre como aumentar as chances de uma gravidez espontânea. No presente artigo, a Comissão Nacional de Ginecologia Endócrina da Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO) oferece sugestões para otimizar o aconselhamento a pessoas que tentam a concepção espontânea, na ausência do diagnóstico de infertilidade.
Asunto(s)
Fertilización/fisiología , Atención Preconceptiva , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Brasil , Coito/fisiología , Consejo , Dieta , Femenino , Fertilidad/fisiología , Humanos , Infertilidad Femenina/diagnóstico , Lubricantes/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Edad Materna , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ovulación/fisiología , Edad Paterna , Postura , Embarazo , Procesos de Determinación del Sexo/fisiología , Fumar/efectos adversos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
A dislipidemia é um distúrbio metabólico frequente na síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) e, possivelmente, contribui para um aumento do risco de doenças cardiovasculares. A avaliação do risco cardiovascular de cada paciente define as metas lipídicas a serem atingidas por meio da terapêutica recomendada para a correção da dislipidemia. Alimentação saudável, perda de peso e implementação de um programa regular de atividade física contribuem para a melhora do perfil lipídico. A terapia farmacológica deve ser reservada para as pacientes que não atingiram as metas lipídicas após modificações na dieta e regularização da atividade física ou nas pacientes com alto risco cardiometabólico.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico , Dislipidemias/diagnóstico , Dislipidemias/dietoterapia , Dislipidemias/tratamiento farmacológico , Dislipidemias/terapia , Ejercicio Físico , Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedad CardiacaRESUMEN
Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Herencia , Aterosclerosis/diagnóstico , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedad Cardiaca , Estudios Transversales , Muerte Súbita , Puntuaciones en la Disfunción de Órganos , Infarto del Miocardio/genéticaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose hydrogel as a barrier in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesion in rat model. METHODS: Experimental study with 45 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were divided into three groups for the following treatments: A. Saline, B. Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC) barrier, and C Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel (BCH) barrier. After 45 days of the surgery the adhesions were classified and graded according to the qualitative score. The histological parameters were evaluated using a modified semi-quantitative scale to rate the extent of fibrosis, inflammatory reaction and vascular proliferation. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group (A), the treatments with ORC barrier (B) and BHC barrier (C) resulted in a smaller number of adhesions (p=0.019 and p=0.003 on Fisher's exact test, respectively). Data from inflammation and neovascularization showed no statistically significant difference between the groups BHC and ORC (p=0.426 and 0.446 on chi-square test, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bacterial cellulose hydrogel is effective as a bio-re-absorbable barrier for preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
Asunto(s)
Bacterias/química , Celulosa/uso terapéutico , Hidrogel de Polietilenoglicol-Dimetacrilato/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades Peritoneales/prevención & control , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/prevención & control , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Fibrosis , Enfermedades Peritoneales/patología , Peritoneo/patología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/patología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas Wistar , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Factores de Tiempo , Adherencias Tisulares/patología , Adherencias Tisulares/prevención & control , Resultado del Tratamiento , Útero/patología , Útero/cirugíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Tolerancia al Ejercicio/fisiología , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/fisiopatología , Estudios Transversales , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of obesity on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjects and methods: A descriptive analytic cross- sectional study was carried out. Thirty-nine (39) sedentary climacteric women, aged 45 to 60 years, were evaluated and submitted to polysomnography. The participants were divided into 4 groups: a) 'eutrophic non-OSA' (n = 13); b) 'eutrophic OSA' (n = 5); c) 'obese non-OSA' (n = 6); d) 'obese OSA' (n = 15). All subjects underwent clinical and anthropometric evaluation, followed by pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: There was a significant difference in the predicted percentage values of FEV1/FVC when comparing 'eutrophic OSA' and 'obese OSA' (97.6% ± 6.1% vs. 105.7% ± 5.7%, respectively; p = 0.025). The other spirometric variables did not show any differences between the studied groups. There was no significant difference in the maximum distance walked when the 'eutrophic non-OSA', 'eutrophic OSA', 'obese non-OSA' and 'obese OSA' groups were compared. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, OSA itself did not influence pulmonary function or functional capacity parameters compared to eutrophic women. However, not only isolated obesity but also obesity associated with OSA can negatively impact sleep quality and lung function.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Capacidad Residual Funcional/fisiología , Tolerancia al Ejercicio/fisiología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/fisiopatología , Prueba de Esfuerzo/métodos , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Espirometría , Estudios Transversales , Polisomnografía , Conducta SedentariaRESUMEN
Abstract Considering that myths and misconceptions regarding natural procreation spread rapidly in the era of easy access to information and to social networks, adequate counseling about natural fertility and spontaneous conception should be encouraged in any kind of health assistance. Despite the fact that there is no strong-powered evidence about any of the aspects related to natural fertility, literature on how to increase the chances of a spontaneous pregnancy is available. In the present article, the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO, in the Portuguese acronym) Committee on Endocrine Gynecology provides suggestions to optimize counseling for non-infertile people attempting spontaneous conception.
Resumo Uma vez que mitos e equívocos sobre a procriação natural se espalham rapidamente na era do fácil acesso à informação e às redes sociais, o aconselhamento adequado sobre a fertilidade natural e a concepção espontânea deve ser encorajado em qualquer tipo de assistência à saúde. Apesar do fato de não haver evidências fortes sobre qualquer dos aspectos relacionados à fertilidade natural, existe literatura sobre como aumentar as chances de uma gravidez espontânea. No presente artigo, a Comissão Nacional de Ginecologia Endócrina da Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO) oferece sugestões para otimizar o aconselhamento a pessoas que tentam a concepção espontânea, na ausência do diagnóstico de infertilidade.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Embarazo , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Atención Preconceptiva , Fertilización/fisiología , Ovulación/fisiología , Postura , Brasil , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Fumar/efectos adversos , Factores de Edad , Edad Materna , Edad Paterna , Coito/psicología , Procesos de Determinación del Sexo/fisiología , Consejo , Dieta , Lubricantes/administración & dosificación , Fertilidad/fisiología , Infertilidad Femenina/diagnóstico , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
A mortalidade por doença cardiovascular entre as mulheres permanece elevada. Estudos observacionais são controversos sobre a participação dos antecedentes de distúrbio hipertensivo gestacional no risco cardiovascular. Verificar a associação entre aterosclerose de carótidas em mulheres no climatério que tiveram hipertensão na gestação. Estudo de caso-controle, sendo os casos compostos por mulheres com aterosclerose de carótida, definida como espessura íntima-média carotídea > 1 mm e/ou presença de placas de carótidas; os controles não apresentavam estas alterações. Adotou-se nível de significância de 95%. Foram avaliadas 504 mulheres sem doença cardiovascular prévia, sendo 126 casos e 378 controles. Eram hipertensas 67% delas; 76% eram dislipidêmicas; e 16%, diabéticas. Cerca de 10% referiram antecedentes de hipertensão na gestação. As mulheres com aterosclerose de carótidas apresentaram valores maiores dos níveis de pressão arterial sistólica (134,18 mmHg vs. 128,59 mmHg; p = 0,008) e de LDL-colesterol (156,52 mg% vs. 139,97 mg%; p = 0,0005). Não foi encontrada diferença estatística em relação à presença de aterosclerose de carótidas e ao antecedente de hipertensão na gestação (OR 1,672; IC 95% 0,893-3,131). O antecedente de hipertensão na gestação não foi associado à aterosclerose subclínica de carótidas em mulheres na pré e pós-menopausa. No entanto, verificou-se a associação entre a aterosclerose de carótida e os fatores de risco clássicos, como pressão arterial sistólica elevada e altos níveis de LDL-colesterol
Cardiovascular disease mortality among women remains high. Observational studies are controversial about the participation of a history of gestational hypertensive disorder in cardiovascular risk. To verify the association between carotid atherosclerosis in menopausal women who had pregnancy-induced hypertension. Case-control study, with cases consisting of women with carotid atherosclerosis, defined as carotid intima-media thickness > 1 mm and/or presence of carotid plaques; the controls did not have these alterations. The significance level was set at 95%. A total of 504 women without previous cardiovascular disease were assessed, 126 cases and 378 controls. Of the total, 67% were hypertensive; 76% were dyslipidemic; and 16% were diabetic. Approximately 10% reported a history of hypertension during pregnancy. Women with carotid atherosclerosis had higher values of systolic blood pressure (134.18 mmHg vs. 128.59 mmHg, p = 0.008) and LDL-cholesterol(156.52 mg% vs. 139.97 mg%; p = 0.0005). No statistical difference was found regarding the presence of carotid atherosclerosis and history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 1.672, 95% CI: 0.883-3.131). The history of hypertension during pregnancy was not associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in menopausal women. However, an association was observed between carotid atherosclerosis and classic risk factors, such as elevated systolic blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol levels
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Mujeres , Embarazo , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/fisiopatología , Premenopausia , Posmenopausia , Hipertensión/fisiopatología , Climaterio , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/mortalidad , Índice de Masa Corporal , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Interpretación Estadística de Datos , Factores de Riesgo , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Revisión , Hipertensión Inducida en el EmbarazoRESUMEN
Muitas vezes, torna-se um grande desafio para o ginecologista a identificação daquelas com maior ou menor chance de concepção. Vários marcadores laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos, conhecidos conjuntamente como testes de avaliação da reserva ovariana, são estudados há décadas com a intenção de se buscar uma ferramenta para a predição do potencial reprodutivo. E, embora ainda se busquem os marcadores ideais para aplicação clínica, mais difícil do que os definir é definir quando eles estão indicados. Este artigo de atualização, assinado pela Comissão Nacional Especializada em Ginecologia Endócrina da Febrasgo, pretende oferecer ao leitor as ferramentas necessárias para o uso racional dos testes de avaliação da reserva ovariana no cotidiano.(AU)
Often, it becomes a great challenge for the gynecologist to identify women with a greater or lesser chance of conception. Several laboratory and ultrasound markers, known jointly as ovarian reserve evaluation tests, have been studied for decades with the intention of seeking a tool for the prediction of reproductive potential. And, while the ideal markers for clinical application are still sought, defining them is as harder as defining when they are indicated. This update article, signed by the National Specialized Committee on Gynecologic Endocrinology, Febrasgo, intends to offer the reader the necessary tools for the rational use of ovarian reserve evaluation tests in daily practice.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Femenino , Reserva Ovárica/fisiología , Infertilidad Femenina/diagnóstico , Infertilidad Femenina/diagnóstico por imagen , Ovario/fisiología , Ovario/diagnóstico por imagen , Pronóstico , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Estradiol/análisis , Hormona Antimülleriana/análisis , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/análisis , Folículo Ovárico , Inhibinas/análisisAsunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Disfunciones Sexuales Fisiológicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Climaterio/efectos de los fármacos , Disfunciones Sexuales Psicológicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Terapia de Reemplazo de Hormonas , Enfermedades Urogenitales Femeninas/tratamiento farmacológico , Andrógenos/uso terapéutico , Testosterona/efectos adversos , Testosterona/uso terapéutico , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia/métodosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose hydrogel as a barrier in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesion in rat model. METHODS: Experimental study with 45 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were divided into three groups for the following treatments: A. Saline, B. Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC) barrier, and C Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel (BCH) barrier. After 45 days of the surgery the adhesions were classified and graded according to the qualitative score. The histological parameters were evaluated using a modified semi-quantitative scale to rate the extent of fibrosis, inflammatory reaction and vascular proliferation. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group (A), the treatments with ORC barrier (B) and BHC barrier (C) resulted in a smaller number of adhesions (p=0.019 and p=0.003 on Fisher's exact test, respectively). Data from inflammation and neovascularization showed no statistically significant difference between the groups BHC and ORC (p=0.426 and 0.446 on chi-square test, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bacterial cellulose hydrogel is effective as a bio-re-absorbable barrier for preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions. .
Asunto(s)
Adulto , Anciano , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Puntos Anatómicos de Referencia/patología , Gadolinio DTPA , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Próstata/patología , Neoplasias de la Próstata/patología , Medios de Contraste , Aumento de la Imagen/métodos , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To compare serum homocysteine levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS women and correlate them with clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Transverse study with carried out on 110 women, including 56 with PCOS and 54 normal controls. Patients were submitted to anamnesis, physical examination and pelvic sonograms and to the determination of homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (Free T4), prolactin, and testosterone. For the statistical analysis, we used the Student's t test, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient and the chi(2) test. The "enter" method was used to determine independent association between variables. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the average serum homocysteine levels in the group of patients with PCOS compared to controls (5.97+/-2.95 versus 5,17+/-1.33 micromol/L; p=0,015). As expected, since they are affected by PCOS, values of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and HOMA were significantly different between groups. Serum homocysteine levels, BMI and PCOS were correlated. Multivariate analysis showed that PCOS, by itself, does not correlate with high serum homocysteine levels. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS women have significantly higher serum levels of homocysteine that may increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. However, other intrinsic PCOS-related factors, not identified in this study, may be responsible for this alteration.