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Metformin use in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: results of a worldwide web-based survey

Christianson MS, Wu H, Zhao Y, Yemini M, Leong M, Shoham Z

Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 2015

5,260 participants · 16 citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify trends regarding therapeutic approaches to metformin administration in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment worldwide.

METHODS: A retrospective evaluation utilizing the results of a web-based survey, IVFWorldwide ( www.IVF-worldwide.com/ ), was performed.

RESULTS: Responses from 101 centers performing a total of 50,800 annual IVF cycles was performed. Of these cycles, 10.4% (n = 5,260) reported metformin use during IVF cycles. Indications for metformin use in IVF cycles included polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients who were habitual abortions (67%), had prior poor egg quality (61%), had high serum insulin levels (56%). Less reported was PCOS with obesity/anvoulation (29%), PCOS with multiple manifestations (23%) and glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (23%). Over half of cycles (54%) treated patients with metformin up to 3 months prior to starting IVF. A majority (82%) of IVF cycles utilized 1500-2000 mg/day of metformin. A nearly equal percentage of centers continued metformin up to a positive β-HCG test (35%) or to 12 weeks gestation (33%). 70% of IVF cycles reported increased pregnancy rates and decreased miscarriage rates due to the use of metformin. 75% reported the data in the literature is not sufficient for reaching a definitive conclusion concerning metformin treatment in patients undergoing IVF.

CONCLUSIONS: While metformin is used worldwide as an adjunct to standard IVF protocols, there is much variation in…

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