Clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome: investigating differences in White and South Asian women.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the phenotypic presentation of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of different ethnicities and at different ages. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective data analysis (1988 - 2009). SETTING: Specialist clinic in a University Hospital, Leicestershire, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Women with PCOS, n = 1310 (mean age 26·2 years), 70·9% White and 29·1% South Asian (SA) attending a speciality clinic in Leicester UK. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Clinical and demographic characteristics of women with PCOS including age at first clinic appointment, signs and symptoms, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP). RESULTS: Compared to White women, the SA were younger (24·3 vs 27·1 years, P < 0·001), less likely to smoke (3·7% vs 17·9% P < 0·001) and had a higher prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) (16·8% vs 3·1% P < 0·001), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (8·1% vs 5·6%, P < 0·01) and hirsutism (88·5% vs 77·4%, P < 0·001), with lower systolic (126·5 vs 133·0 mmHg, P < 0·001), diastolic BP (71·8 vs 75·1 mmHg P = 0·008) and BMI (29·3 vs 31·5 kg/m(2) P = 0·002). Differences in body weight remained when participants were classified as obese, overweight and normal according to ethnicity-specific cut-off points (P = 0·048). In both ethnicities, those aged ≥30 years old had higher rates of obesity, T2DM, hypertension and infertility, and less acne, and oligomenorrhoea. Obesity was associated with increased T2DM, AN, systolic/diastolic BP, hirsutism and infertility. CONCLUSION: The phenotypic and metabolic presentations of women with PCOS appear to be significantly different depending on ethnicity, obesity and age. This has implications for management strategies in these groups.

How to manage an adolescent girl presenting with features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); an exemplar for adolescent health care in endocrinology.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or the potential diagnosis of PCOS, is one of the most common reasons for adolescent girls to present to endocrinology clinics. A diagnosis of PCOS has the potential to affect the young person, not only physically, but psychologically and socially. It is important we have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to work effectively with young people to address their concerns and meet their information needs. Successful engagement and management of adolescents with PCOS may have implications in adult life. In this article, the challenges of making the diagnosis of PCOS and introducing lifestyle change and the necessary skills for working with young people are discussed.

Diabetes and cardiovascular events in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a 20-year retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are potentially at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases due to well-established risk factors, including insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, data showing excess CV events in this population are still lacking. We investigated the incidence and prevalence of CV events in a cohort of women with PCOS. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (total follow-up >12,000 person-years). SETTING: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (Total Female population of 434,859), UK. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand three hundred and one women with PCOS (mean age = 29.6 years) attending a speciality clinic in Leicestershire, UK. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: T2DM, myocardial infarction (MI), angina, heart failure (HF), stroke and CV-related death. RESULTS: Incidence of T2DM, MI, angina, HF, stroke and CV death was respectively 3.6, 0.8, 1.0, 0.3, 0.0 and 0.4 per 1000 person-years. At the end of follow-up, the prevalence of MI in the age groups 45-54, 55-64 and >65 years was 1.9%, 6.0% and 27.3% and of angina was 2.6%, 6.0% and 27.3%, respectively. Age-group-specific odds ratios for the prevalence of MI and angina compared to the local female population ranged between 2.6 (95% CI: 1.0-6.3) and 12.9 (CI: 3.4-48.6) with the highest ratio being for MI in the group >65 years old. Age, history of hypertension and smoking had significant correlations with CV outcomes in the PCOS patients. CONCLUSION: We have shown a high incidence and age-group-specific prevalence of T2DM, MI and angina in the women with PCOS, with over a quarter having had MI or angina in those >65 years. These findings should be considered in the treatment strategies and long-term planning for women with PCOS.

Promoting physical activity with self-management support for those with multimorbidity: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Targeted self-management programmes may improve health and increase physical activity (PA) in people with multimorbidity. AIM: To investigate the impact of a structured, theoretically driven, self-management group education programme on habitual PA levels in people with multimorbidity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Individually randomised controlled trial with 12-month follow-up, involving nine primary care practices in Leicestershire, UK. METHOD: In total, 353 adults with multimorbidity (age 67.8 years [±9 years], 161 male sex) were randomised to intervention (n = 180) or control (n = 173) groups. Intervention participants were invited to attend four group-based self-management sessions, centred primarily on increasing PA, and received motivational text-message support. The primary outcome measure was change in overall volume (time and intensity) of daily PA at 12 months, as measured by the GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometer device. RESULTS: At baseline, the total sample achieved 22 min of moderate-vigorous intensity PA per day (mean/participant). At 12 months, in the complete-case analysis, a reduction in daily mean PA volume was seen in the intervention group relative to control (-0.80 milligravity [m g]; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.57 to -0.03; P = 0.04). Reductions were also seen in the intervention group in time spent in moderate-vigorous PA (-3.86 min per day; 95% CI= -6.70 to -1.03; P = 0.008) and time spent at an intensity equivalent to a slow walk (-4.66 min per day; 95% CI = -8.82 to -0.51; P = 0.028). However, the per-protocol analysis (excluding participants who did not attend at least one education session) found no between-group differences in overall daily PA at 12 months (-0.65 mg; 95% CI = -1.46 to 0.15; P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: The self-management programme elicited a slight reduction in PA levels in people with multimorbidity. Future research should identify and target subgroups of those with multimorbidity in greatest need of PA promotion in order to maximise potential capacity for benefit, and also focus on refining the intervention in order to increase efficacy in increasing PA.

Movement through Active Personalised engagement (MAP) - a self-management programme designed to promote physical activity in people with multimorbidity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity, defined as two or more concurrent chronic diseases within the same individual, is becoming the clinical norm within primary care. Given the burden of multimorbidity on individuals, carers and health care systems, there is a need for effective self-management programmes. Promoting active participation within their clinical care and following a healthy lifestyle will help empower patients and target lifestyle factors that are exacerbating their conditions. The aim of this study is to establish whether a tailored, structured self-management programme can improve levels of physical activity at 12 months, in people with multimorbidity. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a single-centre randomised controlled trial, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is change in objectively assessed average daily physical activity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include medication adherence, lifestyle behaviours, quality of life, chronic disease self-efficacy and self-efficacy for exercise. Anthropometric and clinical measurements include blood pressure, muscle strength, lipid profile, kidney function and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Participants are recruited from primary care. Those between 40 and 85 years of age with multimorbidity, with a good understanding of written and verbal English, who are able to give informed consent, have access to a mobile phone for use in study activities and are able to walk independently will be invited to participate. Multimorbidity is defined as two or more of the chronic conditions listed in the Quality and Outcomes Framework. A total of 338 participants will be randomly assigned, with stratification for gender and ethnicity, to either the control group, receiving usual care, or the intervention group, who are invited to the Movement through Active Personalised engagement programme. This involves attending four group-based self-management sessions aimed at increasing physical activity, mastering emotions, managing treatments and using effective communication. The sessions are delivered by trained facilitators, and regular text messages during the study period provide ongoing support. Changes in primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed, and an economic evaluation of the intervention undertaken. DISCUSSION: This study will provide new evidence on whether physical activity can be promoted alongside other self-management strategies in a multimorbid population and whether this leads to improvements in clinical, biomedical, psychological and quality of life outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 42791781 . Registered on 14 March 2017.

Structured education programme for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education programmes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Single-centre, randomised controlled trial, testing a single exposure to a group-based, face-to-face, structured education programme. Inclusion criteria were women with PCOS, aged 18-49 years inclusive and body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 for black and minority ethnicities or ≥25 kg/m2 for white Europeans. Primary outcome was step-count/day at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included indices of physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life (QoL) and illness perception (IP). RESULTS: 161 women were included (78 control, 83 intervention); 69% white; mean age 33.4 (s.d. 7.6) years, of whom 100 (48 intervention; 52 control) attended their 12-month visit (38% attrition). 77% of the intervention arm attended the education programme. No significant change in step-count was observed at 12 months (mean difference: +351 steps/day (95% confidence interval -481, +1183); P = 0.40). No differences were found in biochemical or anthropometric outcomes. The education programme improved participants' IP in 2 dimensions: understanding their PCOS (P < 0.001) and sense of control (P < 0.01) and improved QoL in 3 dimensions: emotions (P < 0.05), fertility (P < 0.05), weight (P < 0.01) and general mental well-being (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION: A single exposure to structured education programme did not increase physical activity or improve biochemical markers in overweight and obese women with PCOS. However, providing a structured education in parallel to routine medical treatment can be beneficial for participants' understanding of their condition, reducing their anxiety and improving their QoL.

Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong condition. Its symptoms have been linked with psychological consequences, but less attention has been given to the daily implications of living with PCOS. We aimed to explore women's experiences living with PCOS, and the potential acceptability of group education sessions for this target group. METHODS: Women with PCOS were recruited from an ethnically diverse UK community. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis was underpinned by the constant comparative approach and involved the identification and exploration of key themes. RESULTS: Participants reported a range of symptoms linked with PCOS, including problems relating to menstruation and weight difficulties. Hirsutism was reported as the most distressing symptom. Emergent themes included perceptions about symptoms and delays in receiving a diagnosis; psychological distress; practical implications of living with the condition; coping with PCOS and perceived support needs. Some findings were specific to cultural backgrounds. Participants were supportive of the idea of group education for women with PCOS and suggested a need to provide education within the community and health care providers. DISCUSSION: Women with PCOS experience high psychological distress and difficulties with coping with their condition. Suggested strategies to reduce the negative psychological impact include education at various levels.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Response Rates and Diagnostic Yield of Screening for Type 2 Diabetes and Those at High Risk of Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Screening for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and individuals at risk of diabetes has been advocated, yet information on the response rate and diagnostic yield of different screening strategies are lacking. METHODS: Studies (from 1998 to March/2015) were identified through Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library and included if they used oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and WHO-1998 diagnostic criteria for screening in a community setting. Studies were one-step strategy if participants were invited directly for OGTT and two, three/four step if participants were screened at one or more levels prior to invitation to OGTT. The response rate and diagnostic yield were pooled using Bayesian random-effect meta-analyses. FINDINGS: 47 studies (422754 participants); 29 one-step, 11 two-step and seven three/four-step were identified. Pooled response rate (95% Credible Interval) for invitation to OGTT was 65.5% (53.7, 75.6), 63.1% (44.0, 76.8), and 85.4% (76.4, 93.3) in one, two and three/four-step studies respectively. T2DM yield was 6.6% (5.3, 7.8), 13.1% (4.3, 30.9) and 27.9% (8.6, 66.3) for one, two and three/four-step strategies respectively. The number needed to invite to the OGTT to detect one case of T2DM was 15, 7.6 and 3.6 in one, two, and three/four-step strategies. In two step strategies, there was no difference between the response or yield rates whether the first step was blood test or risk-score. There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity in rates across study populations but this was not explained by the method of invitation, study location (rural versus urban) and developmental index of the country in which the study was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the invitation method, developmental status of the countries and or rural/urban location, using a multi-step strategy increases the initial response rate to the invitation to screening for diabetes and reduces the number needed to have the final diagnostic test (OGTT in this study) for a definite diagnosis.