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Influence of LH and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on metformin response in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Maciel GA, Hayashida SA, da Costa LC, Marcondes JA, da Fonseca AM, Soares JM, Baracat EC

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 2011

53 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To search for predictors of metformin response in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a detailed analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters.

STUDY DESIGN: We designed a prospective study to investigate clinical and laboratory parameters to search for predictors of metformin response in women with PCOS. A total of 53 PCOS patients were given metformin 850 mg twice a day for 6 months, after which patients were classified as responders or non-responders. Parameters analyzed for comparison between the two groups were: plasma fasting insulin glucose/insulin ratio; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with insulin (120 min); HOMA and QUICKI tests; total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides; LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, 17-OH progesterone, and DHEAS.

RESULTS: From all patients, 30 (56.6%) were responders and 23 (43.3%) were non-responders. Multinomial analysis showed that the positive response to metformin was associated with higher levels of basal LH (p=0.038) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION: In weight-matched PCOS subjects, laboratory markers might predict the metformin response. Higher levels of basal LH and lower levels of HDL-C are correlated with a positive response to metformin treatment in PCOS subjects.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 53 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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