Combined liraglutide and metformin therapy in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Purpose: Overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience significant metabolic and hormonal disturbances. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether liraglutide combined with metformin is more effective than metformin alone in improving glycaemic control, lipid metabolism, body mass index (BMI) and sex hormone profiles in this population.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu, SinoMed and Wanfang Data for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing liraglutide plus metformin to metformin monotherapy in overweight or obese women with PCOS. Primary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), BMI, sex hormones (luteinising hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], total testosterone [TT]) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]). Subgroup analyses were conducted by treatment duration, lifestyle intervention and baseline BMI.
Results: A total of 19 RCTs involving 1657 women with PCOS were included. Compared to metformin alone, the combination of liraglutide and metformin significantly improved glycaemic metabolism: FPG (standard mean difference = -1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-2.43, -1.41]; I2 = 95%),…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,657 participants or records.
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