Do we need readjustment of the biochemical parameters in first trimester combined aneuploidy screening test in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the biochemical components of first trimester combined aneuploidy screening test.

Method: A case-control study was performed at a tertiary referral hospital between years 2007-2013. Singleton pregnancies in the first trimester (11(+0) -13(+6) week) who had a history of PCOS and underwent first trimester combined aneuploidy screening test were included in the study. Three hundred and seventeen women met the criteria for inclusion. Control group was formed by 942 healthy pregnant women with similar gestational and maternal ages using a 1 : 3 ratio. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (fβ-hCG) and fetal nuchal translucency were compared between the study group and the controls.

Results: The biochemical components PAPP-A and fβ-hCG were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared with the control group (p = 0.001). There was no difference among groups with regard to the nuchal translucency measurements (p = 0.128).

Conclusion: Our study shows that the levels of biochemical components of first trimester combined aneuploidy screening test (PAPP-A and fβ-hCG) are altered in pregnant women with PCOS. Future trials of larger scale are needed to asses any need for readjustment of the risk in the patient population with PCOS.