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Care for Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Development and Prescribing Patterns of a Multidisciplinary Clinic

Torres-Zegarra C, Sundararajan D, Benson J, Seagle H, Witten M, Walders-Abramson N, Simon SL, Huguelet P et al.

Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2021

92 participants

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Based on updated guidelines and expressed patient needs, we created a multidisciplinary clinic including endocrinology, gynecology/adolescent medicine, dermatology, psychology, and nutrition to provide comprehensive care to adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We describe the patient population presenting to this clinic, and prescribing patterns when a multidisciplinary approach is used.

DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

SETTING: Tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Female patients, aged 11-24 years, presenting for initial assessment in a multidisciplinary PCOS clinic.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory measurements and prescribed therapies.

RESULTS: A total of 92 patients seen from 2014 to 2018 are described (age 15.9 years, range 11-24 years, body mass index 35.6 kg/m2, range 19.9-53.5). Metabolic syndrome features were common: 26% had a prediabetes hemoglobin A1c (>5.6%), 83% had a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 120 mm Hg, and 43% had an alanine aminotransferase level of >30 U/L. Dermatologic findings included acne 93%, hirsutism 38%, acanthosis nigricans 85%, hidradenitis suppurativa 16%, and androgenic alopecia 2%. Of the patients, 33% had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, 16% of patients had a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, and an additional 59% had symptoms warranting a sleep study The most commonly prescribed medications were topical acne preparations…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 92 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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