ObjectiveLittle is known about the aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some suggest that elevated maternal androgens during gestation play a causative role. This implies placental passage of androgens during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to compare androgen and estrogen concentrations in maternal serum during pregnancy and in umbilical cord blood, between mothers with PCOS and their offspring compared to controls.DesignProspective case–control study.MethodsMaternal blood samples were collected around 20 weeks of gestation and at delivery. Umbilical cord blood was also taken at delivery. Androgens (testosterone (T), androstenedione (ADION), dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA)) and estrogens (estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3)) were measured using the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods.ResultsAt 20 weeks of gestation: T (P=0.019) and ADION (P=0.034) were higher in the PCOS mothers (pregnant with a girl), whereas DHEA, E1, E2, and E3were not different. Maternal concentration at birth: T (P=0.004) and ADION (P=0.009) were also higher in the subgroup of PCOS mothers that were pregnant with a girl compared to the girl pregnancy controls. DHEA, E1, E2and E3were not different. In umbilical cord blood, no differences were found for T, ADION, DHEA, E2, E3, and AMH between the PCOS mothers and the controls respectively. E1was lower in girls from PCOS mothers (P=0.007).ConclusionsDespite elevated maternal androgen concentrations during pregnancy in PCOS mothers, offspring showed no signs of elevated androgen concentrations in cord blood at birth using the latest highly specific LC-MS/MS methods.
OP23.03: Comparison of leptin and adiponectin levels in maternal serum and venous umbilical cord blood between growth restricted and normal fetuses
