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Differences in the management of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome across pediatric specialties

Auble B, Elder D, Gross A, Hillman JB

Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2013

181 participants

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Evaluate for differences in the management of adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) across 3 pediatric specialties.

DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records.

SETTING: Academic children's hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: 181 adolescents seen between July 2008 and June 2010 by providers in Pediatric Endocrinology (PEndo), Adolescent Medicine (AMed), or Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PGyn) identified via billing data (ICD-9 code for PCOS, 256.4).

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Percentage of adolescents with a billing diagnosis of PCOS who met diagnostic criteria; (2) Percentage of individuals screened for comorbidities and differences across specialties; (3) Differences in treatment recommendations across specialties; (4) Factors associated with recommendation for metformin and hormonal contraceptives.

RESULTS: Thirteen percent of PEndo patients did not meet diagnostic criteria for PCOS; 20% of AMed and PGyn patients did not meet criteria. There were significant differences in rates of screening for obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. There were significant differences in treatment recommendations for lifestyle changes, metformin, and anti-androgen therapy across specialties. Specialty and obesity were significant predictors of metformin recommendation; specifically PEndo predicted metformin recommendation. PGyn and AMed specialties predicted hormonal contraceptive recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS: The variability…

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: 181 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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