P-625 Association between advanced maternal age in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and adverse obstetric outcomes
Authors: Hincapie M , Baghlaf H , Badeghiesh A , Dahan M 
Published: July 2024

Study question

What is the effect of advanced maternal on the likelihood of experiencing adverse pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with PCOS?

Summary answer

Advanced maternal age in women with polycystic ovary syndrome confers an additional risk of pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, c-section, and placenta previa.

What is known already

Women with PCOS have an increased risk of obstetric complications, including preterm delivery, PROM, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, cesarean section, and placental abruption. Similarly, the impact of advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes has been widely studied. Studies have highlighted the association between advanced maternal age and increased risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm labor, cesarean section, stillbirth, and fetal growth restriction. The role of advanced maternal age on pregnancy complications in PCOS in a population database has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective population-based study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database was performed. All deliveries between 2004 to 2014, inclusively, were studied using ICD-9 codes. Within the study period, 14,846 women had a diagnosis of PCOS, of which 943 (6.35%) were of significant advanced maternal age (38-43 years/old). The study could not be extended since in 2015 ICD-10 codes were used which are not compatible with ICD-9 codes.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Chi-squared tests were used for comparison of demographics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for confounding effects. According to Tri-Council Policy statement (2018), IRB approval was not required, given data was anonymous and publicly available

Main results and the role of chance

Women with PCOS and advanced maternal age were more likely to develop pregnancy complications, including pregnancy induced hypertension (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09-1.59; p = 0.004), preeclampsia (aOR 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16-1.98; p = 0.003), and gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR 1.66; 95% CI: 1.40-1.97; p &lt; 0.001), after controlling for confounding demographics. Women with PCOS of advanced maternal age were also at increased risk of delivery by cesarean section (aOR 1.20 95% CI: 1.10-1.43; p &lt; 0.001). Women with PCOS and advanced maternal age were not at an increased risk of preterm delivery, PPROM, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, operative vaginal delivery, post-partum hemorrhage, wound complications, transfusion, maternal infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation and eclampsia (p &gt; 0.05 in all cases). Results demonstrated no difference in the rate of women who gave birth to SGA infants, the rate of IUFDs, and the rate of infants with congenital anomalies between the two groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The limitations of our study are its retrospective nature and use of an administrative database which relies on the accuracy and consistency of the individuals coding the data. There are known limitations in how accurately hospital coding is able to capture perinatal conditions and complications.

Wider implications of the findings

The impact of advanced maternal age on the relationship between PCOS and pregnancy outcomes should be considered when counseling and planning care for pregnant women affected by these conditions. This emphasizes the importance of optimal perinatal care in older women with PCOS as they have higher risks of obstetric complications.

Trial registration number

NA