Birthweight and PCOS: systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

Background:

• The etiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) remains largely unknown.
• PCOS is associated with subfertility and increased risk of chronic health issues.
• Previous research suggests a link between PCOS and adverse prenatal conditions, including low birthweight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between intrauterine conditions, as reflected by birthweight, and the development of PCOS.
• To determine if low birthweight is a risk factor for PCOS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.
• Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) were searched up to June 2017.
• Birthweight was analyzed as a categorical variable (<2.5 kg, 2.5-4 kg, >4 kg) and as a continuous variable.

Main Results:

• Out of 1484 identified studies, 16 met inclusion criteria, with 14 used for meta-analysis.
• Women with birthweights <2.5 kg had an odds ratio of 1.76 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.70] for PCOS when diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria.
• No significant association was found between birthweight and PCOS when diagnosed by NIH criteria.

Conclusions:

• Low birthweight may be a risk factor for PCOS, particularly when diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria.
• Publication bias was indicated in the funnel plot analysis.
• Further research is needed to clarify the complex etiology of PCOS.