Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Allison Ermol, MMS, PA-C
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that presents with a wide variety of symptoms. The PCOS diagnosis standard is the Rotterdam criteria, which includes hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Transvaginal ultrasounds have traditionally been used to evaluate PCOM, however, they are highly dependent on technician skill. This paper will evaluate research regarding the use of anti-Mullerian (AMH) in PCOS diagnosis as an alternative to transvaginal ultrasound.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Academic Search Ultimate in January 2020. A total of eight articles were selected based on relevance to the research topic and analyzed for structure and results.
Results: This analysis provided evidence to suggest AMH would be an effective method for evaluating PCOM and assist in the diagnosis of PCOS. While all studies were able to indicate a significant relationship between AMH and PCOS, an assessment of study methodology revealed notable limitations. These included small sample sizes and difficulty establishing standard testing protocols. Five studies evaluated the role of other hormones in PCOS; however, their use was less consistent. A consensus on these hormones was difficult to achieve due to these limitations.
Discussion: All of the studies reported significant correlations between AMH and PCOS diagnoses. Limited sample sizes, recruitment bias, and testing protocol discrepancies reduced the external validity of results. Consistent use of the Rotterdam criteria improved the comparability among studies. New studies should include larger samples with defined study protocols to improve data collection and provide more compelling results.
Conclusion: AMH appears to be a valuable tool for creating an effective diagnostic process. Study results indicate a significant relationship between AMH and PCOS. More research using larger, diverse samples and detailed testing protocols are still needed to determine clinical values. These studies provide an important foundation for future research into the topic of PCOS diagnosis.
Recommended Citation
Prewitt, Cassidy, "Efficacy of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 21.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/21
Included in
Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons
Efficacy of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that presents with a wide variety of symptoms. The PCOS diagnosis standard is the Rotterdam criteria, which includes hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Transvaginal ultrasounds have traditionally been used to evaluate PCOM, however, they are highly dependent on technician skill. This paper will evaluate research regarding the use of anti-Mullerian (AMH) in PCOS diagnosis as an alternative to transvaginal ultrasound.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Academic Search Ultimate in January 2020. A total of eight articles were selected based on relevance to the research topic and analyzed for structure and results.
Results: This analysis provided evidence to suggest AMH would be an effective method for evaluating PCOM and assist in the diagnosis of PCOS. While all studies were able to indicate a significant relationship between AMH and PCOS, an assessment of study methodology revealed notable limitations. These included small sample sizes and difficulty establishing standard testing protocols. Five studies evaluated the role of other hormones in PCOS; however, their use was less consistent. A consensus on these hormones was difficult to achieve due to these limitations.
Discussion: All of the studies reported significant correlations between AMH and PCOS diagnoses. Limited sample sizes, recruitment bias, and testing protocol discrepancies reduced the external validity of results. Consistent use of the Rotterdam criteria improved the comparability among studies. New studies should include larger samples with defined study protocols to improve data collection and provide more compelling results.
Conclusion: AMH appears to be a valuable tool for creating an effective diagnostic process. Study results indicate a significant relationship between AMH and PCOS. More research using larger, diverse samples and detailed testing protocols are still needed to determine clinical values. These studies provide an important foundation for future research into the topic of PCOS diagnosis.