Prostate Specific Antigen: A Diagnostic Marker in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• Main Authors: Kiran Bhat, Meena Bhanda, Vaishali Garg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2019-01-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: follicle stimulating hormone; hyperandrogenism; luteinizing hormone; obesity; polycystic ovary
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/12500/38177_CE[Ra1]_F(KM)_PF1(AGAK)_PFA(AK)_PB(NC_AG)_PN(SL).pdf
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting females in the reproductive age group. Its diagnosis rests on clinical features like obesity, hirsutism, irregular menstrual flow, polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasonography and laboratory investigations like serum estimation of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been found to be raised in hyperandrogenic states and therefore can be used as a marker for diagnosis of PCOS. Aim: The study was undertaken to evaluate serum PSA levels in patients of PCOS and its possible use in diagnosis of PCOS. Materials and Methods: The case-control study included 40 women with PCOS and 40 age matched healthy women as controls. Serum PSA, LH, FSH and Prolactin levels were measured using immunometric technique. The data so obtained was statistically analysed using Student's t-test. Pearson correlation was used to test the correlation between LH, FSH, Prolactin and total PSA (tPSA). Results: Mean value of serum PSA was significantly higher in women with PCOS (0.03 ng/mL) as compared to control group (0.01 ng/mL). Serum PSA level of >0.01 ng/mL showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. Serum PSA levels had a positive correlation with serum LH levels (p-value 0.001) and serum prolactin levels (p-value 0.03). However, no correlation between PSA and FSH (p-value 0.042) was observed. LH/FSH ratio was raised in 32 out of 40 cases and reversed in remaining eight cases. Conclusion: The serum PSA level with cut-off value >0.01 ng/mL can be used to detect hyperandrogenism in women and therefore can be used as a diagnostic marker for diagnosis of PCOS.