The neurodevelopment of neonates born to women with polycystic ovary syndrome: evidences from China

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Mothers with PCOS are at increased risk of various gestational complications and adverse outcomes of offspring. The health problems, including neurobehavioral phenotypes, of PCOS offspring has attracted wide attention and been associated with intrauterine environment changes due to maternal PCOS. Using neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA), we conducted measurement of neonate’s neurodevelopment on the third day after birth. Total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-animate visual and auditory, were significantly lower in PCOS group than those in control group. Concerning sex difference, we found significantly lower total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-inanimate visual, in male neonates of PCOS group compared to those of control group, while this did not exist in female neonates. In conclusion, our data indicated an association between maternal PCOS and offspring neurobehavior at the beginning of neonatal period in a sex-specific manner. Further evidence of intrauterine environment is required to clarify the potential mechanism underlying impacts of maternal PCOS on neurodevelopment.