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Randomized controlled trial of different doses of metformin for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Weerakiet S, Sophonsritsuk A, Lertvikool S, Satirapot C, Leelaphiwat S, Jultanmas R

The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 2011

60 participants

Abstract

AIM: To compare the efficacy of 1000 mg and 1700 mg of metformin on ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand of 60 PCOS women diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria. Group A (30 women) and B (30 women) received 1000 mg and 1700 mg/day of metformin, respectively. Clomiphen citrate 50-150 mg per day for 5 days was added, if no dominant follicle developed. The main outcome measures were ovulation and pregnancy rates, fasting insulin (FI), testosterone (T), androstenedione (ADD) and DHEAS before and 4 weeks after metformin.

RESULTS: The ovulation rate did not differ between the groups (84.8% vs 87.7% between groups A and B, P=NS). Most of the women developed one follicle (91% in group A and 88.2% in group B, P=NS). The pregnancy rate in group A (46.4% per woman and 12.4% per ovulatory cycle) did not differ from that in group B (51.9% per woman and 13.2% per ovulatory cycle, P=NS). With regard to dosages, the ovulation rate in PCOS women without insulin resistance (IR) was significantly higher than those with IR. FI, T and ADD were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of metformin in both groups.

CONCLUSION: 1000 mg of metformin had as high efficacy as 1700 mg on induction of ovulation and pregnancy in PCOS women.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 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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