IDDF2018-ABS-0068 A potential link between polycystic ovary syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an update meta-analysis

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) itself accounts for a high risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Alternatively, other specific factors in women with PCOS may contribute to this association, which presently remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to shed some light on this issue, and thereby performed this meta-analysis. Methods Relevant studies that were published before May 2017 were identified and retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases. Data were extracted, and the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results A total of 17 studies were included in this analysis. Compared to the control group, the risk of NAFLD in the PCOS group was higher (OR=2.25, 95% CI=1.95–2.60). When stratified by BMI and geographic location, these results indicated that the frequency of NAFLD risk was significantly higher amongst obese subjects (OR=3.01, 95% CI=1.88–4.82), non-obese subjects (OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.12–3.85), subjects from Europe (OR=2.00, 95% CI=1.58–2.52), subjects from the Asia-Pacific Region, (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.89–2.84) and subjects from America (OR=2.96, 95% CI=1.93–4.55), respectively. In addition, PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism (HA) had a significantly higher risk of NAFLD than controls (OR=3.31; 95% CI=2.58–4.24). However, there was no association between PCOS patients without HA and a higher risk of NAFLD (OR=1.46; 95% CI=0.55–3.87). Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis suggest that PCOS is significantly associated with high risk of NAFLD. This association was independent of obesity and geographic region but might correlate with HA.