Comparison of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Combined with Metformin Versus Metformin Alone in the Management of PCOS: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
Abstract
This study compared the efficacy and safety of glucogan-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) combined with metformin versus metformin alone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A systematic search of "PubMed", "EMBASE", "Cochrane Library", and "Web of Science", "Google Scholar" was conducted up to September 2024. Studies were included if they were RCTs investigating the combination of GLP1RAs and metformin in women diagnosed with PCOS. Eligible studies compared this combination therapy to metformin alone. Primary outcomes included changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, androgen levels, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Eight RCTs with a total of 337 participants were included. The combination of GLP1RAs and metformin resulted in significant reductions in body weight (mean difference [MD]=-1.37 kg, 95% CI [-2.07, -0.67]; P = 0.0001), BMI (MD= -0.88 kg/m², 95% CI [-1.37, -0.39]; P = 0.0005), waist circumference (MD= -2.46 cm, 95% CI [-3.59,-1.33]; P < 0.0001), fasting glucose level (MD= -0.30, 95% CI [-0.42,-0.17]; P < 0.0001), and glucose level at 2 h after OGTT (MD= -1.58, 95% CI [-2.10,-1.06]; P < 0.0001) compared to metformin alone. Improvements in insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) in GLP1RA + Met group were also observed (MD=-1.58, 95% CI [-2.10, -1.06]; P < 0.0001) comparing to Met group. Hormonal outcomes demonstrated an increase in SHBG (MD = 10.04, 95% CI…
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: 337 participants or records.
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