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Metformin for preventing gestational diabetes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Ainuddin JA, Kazi S, Aftab S, Kamran A

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, 2015

82 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of metformin in controlling Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

STUDY DESIGN: Comparative cohort study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Gynecology Clinics of Mamji Hospital, Karachi, from 2008 to 2010.

METHODOLOGY: Patients who had been diagnosed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with hyperinsulinemia and conceived and continued pregnancy, were divided in two groups; 50 patients received metformin throughout pregnancy and 32 did not. Development of GDM was ascertained in both groups. The patients were followed throughout pregnancy and in puerperium with OGTT as per WHO criteria. Primary outcome measure was development of gestational diabetes mellitus. Comparison of continuous variables was done using student 't' test. For categorical variables, frequency and percentages are reported while, odds ratio is also estimated for GDM during pregnancy.

RESULTS: A total of 82 women with PCOS were included in this study, out of whom, 50 patients received metformin treatment while 32 patients did not. Pregnant women with PCOS in both groups were comparable in age, weight, parity and BMI. Mean fasting insulin levels at beginning of study entry were 17.22 ± 2.3 mIU/L and 16.93 ± 2.28 mIU/L in metformin and no metformin group respectively (p=0.589). Mean fasting blood sugar levels were 94.54 mg/dl in metformin and 99.59 mg/dl in no metformin group p < 0.001. A total of 5 (10%) patients in metformin group…

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: 82 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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