Sensitivity and specificity of anti-mülerian hormone in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in a macedonian population of women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Sasha Jovanovska Mishevska, Brankica Krstevska, Gordana Pemovska, Tatjana Milenkovic, Iskra Bitoska, Aleksandra Atanasova Boshku
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: VBZ 2016-06-01
• Series: Endocrine Oncology and Metabolism
• Subjects: anti-mülerian hormone; polycystic ovary syndrome; chronic anovulation; follicle arrest; ultrasonography
• Online Access: http://eom.hdeo.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/vol2-iss2-2Jovanovska.pdf

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, characterized by the association of polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. Excessive ovarian production of anti- mülerian hormone (AMH), secreted by the excess of growing follicles, is now considered an important feature of PCOS, with an increasing number of evidence in the last decade on the role of AMH in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of AMH in the diagnosis of PCOS, as well as the association of AMH with other components of the syndrome. A cross-sectional study of clinical, hormonal and biochemical markers in 60 patients with PCOS and 30 controls was conducted. There was a statistically significant difference of AMH values between the groups, with an almost 5-fold increase in circulating AMH levels in women with PCOS compared with those without the syndrome. Positive significant correlation of AMH values with the duration of the menstrual cycle, as well as a significant correlation with testosterone levels and negative significant correlation with the levels of follicle stimulating hormone were observed. Measurement of serum AMH levels as a diagnostic modality of PCOS showed high sensitivity and specificity. Optimal specificity and sensitivity were achieved at the cut-off level of 5 ng/ml offering sensitivity of 82.76% and specificity of 88.89 % with a positive predictive value of 94.12%. This study showed that AMH could be used as an alternative diagnostic tool in PCOS patients.