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Pregnancy outcome in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who were treated with metformin

Thatcher SS, Jackson EM

Fertility and sterility, 2006

188 participants · 109 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze pregnancy complications and outcome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with metformin.

DESIGN: Single center retrospective case analysis.

SETTING: Private regional nonurban referral subspecialty practice.

PATIENT(S): After 7 months of average metformin use, 188 patients with PCOS (average infertility: 27 months) achieved 237 pregnancies.

INTERVENTION(S): Of pregnancies established, metformin alone was used before conception in 124/237 (52%), oral fertility agents (CC or letrozole) in 81 (34%), gonadotropin therapy in 7 (3.0%), assisted reproduction in 17 (7.2%), and other fertility-promoting regimens in 8 (3.4%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Analysis of prepregnancy health parameters (weight, blood pressure, glucose tolerance, fasting and stimulated insulin levels) and pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, pregnancy length, hypertension, gestational diabetes, weight gain, birth weight, sex ratio, congenital malformations, and breastfeeding success).

RESULT(S): Metformin appears to decrease the rate of spontaneous abortion. The co-morbidities of PCOS including obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose sensitivity served as indicators of increased risk for pregnancy complications, especially gestational diabetes. No increase in pregnancy-induced hypertension was evident. Prematurity was increased. Neither PCOS nor metformin use appears to increase the rate of congenital anomaly. PCOS did not affect lactation.

CONCLUSION(S): PCOS or its…

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: 188 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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