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Sparić R, Andjić M, Rakić A, Bjekić-Macut J, Livadas S, Kontić-Vučinić O, Mastorakos G, Macut D. Insulin-sensitizing agents for infertility treatment in woman with polycystic ovary syndrome: a narrative review of current clinical practice. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:49-58. [PMID: 37792213 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive disorder which, according to the Rotterdam criteria, affects up to 24% of women of childbearing age. Although the prevalence of infertility in this subpopulation of women is high, the optimal treatment has not been fully established yet. Insulin resistance is considered to be an important mechanism involved in the development of PCOS; hence, the aim of this narrative review is to present an overview of the current pharmacological insulin-sensitizing treatment modalities for infertile women with PCOS. METHODS A MEDLINE and PubMed search for the years 1990-2023 was performed using a combination of keywords. Clinical trials with insulin sensitizers used for infertility treatment as well as analyses of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were evaluated. When deemed necessary, additional articles referenced in the retrieved papers were included in this narrative review. RESULTS Several insulin-sensitizing compounds and various therapeutical protocols are available for infertility treatment of women with PCOS. Metformin is the most common adjuvant medication to induce ovulation in infertile women with PCOS and is more frequently administered in combination with clomiphene citrate than on its own. Recently, inositol and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as possible options for infertility treatment in PCOS. CONCLUSION The future of medical treatment of PCOS women with infertility lies in a personalized pharmacological approach, which involves various compounds with different mechanisms of action that could modify ovarian function and endometrial receptivity, ultimately leading to better overall reproductive outcomes in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Sparić
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mladen Andjić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Rakić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelica Bjekić-Macut
- Department of Endocrinology, UMC Bežanijska Kosa, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olivera Kontić-Vučinić
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrine Diseases, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Djuro Macut
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
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Kelulut Honey Regulates Sex Steroid Receptors in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314757. [PMID: 36499085 PMCID: PMC9738483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive and metabolic anomalies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been associated with the dysregulation of sex steroid receptors. Kelulut honey (KH) has been shown to be beneficial in PCOS-induced rats by regulating folliculogenesis and the oestrus cycle. However, no study has been conducted to evaluate KH's effect on sex steroid receptors in PCOS. Therefore, the current study examined the effects of KH, metformin, or clomiphene alone and in combination on the mRNA expression and protein distribution of androgen receptor (AR), oestrogen receptor α (ERα), oestrogen receptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) in PCOS-induced rats. The study used female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were treated orally with 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole for 21 days to develop PCOS. PCOS-induced rats were then divided and treated orally for 35 days with KH, metformin, clomiphene, KH + metformin, KH+ clomiphene and distilled water. In this study, we observed aberrant AR, ERα, ERβ and PR expression in PCOS-induced rats compared with the normal control rats. The effects of KH treatment were comparable with clomiphene and metformin in normalizing the expression of AR, ERα, and ERβ mRNA. However, KH, clomiphene and metformin did not affect PR mRNA expression and protein distribution. Hence, this study confirms the aberrant expression of sex steroid receptors in PCOS and demonstrates that KH treatment could normalise the sex steroid receptors profile. The findings provide a basis for future clinical trials to utilize KH as a regulator of sex steroid receptors in patients with PCOS.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Gopal U, Banait T. A Review on the Use of Letrozole in Female and Male Infertility. Cureus 2022; 14:e31291. [PMID: 36514610 PMCID: PMC9733584 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility in developing countries is a distinct and complex problem that disproportionately affects women. Though not a physically restraining disease, it causes a huge social burden on the emotional, financial, and psychosocial quotients of those who suffer from it. Assisted reproductive procedures are frequently used to treat infertility. Years ago, the emergence of ovulation induction represented a significant advancement in treating female infertility. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is a potential therapy for ovulation induction. Numerous clinical conditions, including anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, unexplained infertility, and early stages of endometriosis-related infertility, as well as many with improved live birth rates, have been proven to benefit from letrozole treatment. Letrozole is a superior alternative to the widely utilized ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate. While clomiphene citrate has certain limitations, letrozole successfully overcomes these limitations because of its lack of prolonged anti-estrogenic activity, short half-life, and lack of estrogen receptor activation. In most cases, this results in mono-follicular development and excellent live birth rates. According to the most recent research, letrozole can be used as the first-line therapy to treat infertility caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome and other causes. Letrozole is also emerging as a possible treatment for male infertility of unknown cause, proving to be an effective way of influencing hormonal profiles and increasing various seminal parameters such as sperm motility and concentration, as it inhibits aromatization affecting the feedback mechanism to the hypothalamus. This review focuses on our current knowledge of the uses of letrozole for female and male infertility, its mechanisms, and its benefits.
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The Efficacy and Safety of Dingkun Pill in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8698755. [PMID: 36062168 PMCID: PMC9433272 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8698755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Dingkun Pill (DKP) is a proprietary Chinese medicine that has been utilized for patients with gynecological diseases, and its clinical application has been widely accepted in China. However, the effects of DKP on reproduction and metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have never been systematically evaluated. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DKP in treating reproductive and metabolic abnormalities with PCOS. Methods. We searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database up until January 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The methodological quality of the included RCTs was estimated using the Cochrane collaboration risk-of-bias instrument, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan. Results. A total of 22 RCTs (including 1994 participants) were identified. DKP, combined with ovulation-inducing drugs (OID) or combined oral contraceptives (COC) was superior to OID or COC alone in improving the pregnancy rate (relative risk (RR) 1.84, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.11 and RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.64, respectively), ovulation rate (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.84 and RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.37, respectively), endometrial thickness (weighted mean difference (WMD) 2.50, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.09 and WMD 0.62, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.16, respectively), luteinizing hormone (WMD −1.93, 95% CI −2.80 to−.07 and WMD −1.79, 95% CI −2.66 to−0.92, respectively), and testosterone (standardized mean difference (SMD) −2.12, 95% CI −3.01 to−1.24 and SMD −1.21, 95% CI −1.64 to−0.78, respectively). DKP combined with COC led to a greater improvement in homeostasis model assessment-β (WMD 20.42, 95% CI 16.85 to 23.98) when compared with COC alone. There was a significant difference between DKP and COC in terms of decreasing total cholesterol (WMD −0.37, 95% CI −0.72 to−0.02), triacylglycerol (WMD −0.85, 95% CI −1.50 to−0.20), and free fatty acid (WMD −130.00, 95% CI −217.56 to−42.22). However, DKP did not affect the follicle stimulating hormone, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Adverse reactions were more common in COC alone compared to DKP and COC in combination (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.63). Conclusion. DKP shows promise in modifying reproductive and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS and may be used as a primary choice in conventional or complementary therapies for PCOS. The quality of the evidence analyzed was suboptimal, and therefore, our results should be interpreted cautiously. More prospective large-scale and well-designed RCTs, as well as longer intervention durations are required in the future to draw more reliable conclusions.
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Pan W, Li FX, Wang Q, Huang ZQ, Yan YM, Zhao L, Shen XY. A randomized sham-controlled trial of manual acupuncture for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Integr Med Res 2022; 11:100830. [PMID: 35059289 PMCID: PMC8760432 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2021.100830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex polygenic disease and is one of the most common endocrinological and reproductive disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine among infertile females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method A total of 86 women with PCOS, experiencing infertility, were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either manual acupuncture (MA) or sham acupuncture (SA) twice per week for three menstrual cycles. Both groups received herbal medication. The evaluations were conducted after three menstrual cycles and 24 weeks’ follow-up. Results The trial was completed by 79 (91.86%) of the 86 randomly selected patients. During this study, the pregnancy rate in the MA group (46.34%) was significantly higher than the SA group (18.42%), with a P-value of 0.008. Moreover, the ovulation rate of the MA group (58.14%) was higher than that of the SA group (45.74%), with a P-value of 0.046. The improvement rate of PCOS score and testosterone level showed a statistical difference between the two groups (P-values were <0.05). There were no other differences between the two groups. Sex hormones level, including E2, T, P, LH, and LH/FSH were significantly lower after intervention in the MA group (P-values were <0.05) compared with baseline, while only the progesterone level was reduced in the SA group (P-value = 0.008). Conclusion Manual acupuncture combined with herbal medicine may be clinically useful for infertile women with PCOS in improving pregnancy and ovulation rate. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800014997.
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Li M, Ruan X, Mueck AO. Management strategy of infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Tsiami AP, Goulis DG, Sotiriadis AI, Kolibianakis EM. Higher ovulation rate with letrozole as compared with clomiphene citrate in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:449-461. [PMID: 34033068 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00289-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of anovulatory infertility. According to the latest guidelines, letrozole should be considered as the first-line pharmacological treatment for women with WHO Group II anovulation or PCOS. However, the use of letrozole as an ovulation induction agent is not FDA or EMA approved, and its use is "off-label." The main concern with respect to letrozole regards its potential teratogenic effect on the fetus. PURPOSE To determine whether the probability of ovulation is higher with letrozole as compared to clomiphene citrate (CC) in anovulatory women with PCOS. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing letrozole versus CC used for ovulation induction in infertile women with PCOS followed by timed intercourse (TI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) were included in this meta-analysis. Primary outcome was ovulation. Secondary outcomes were live birth, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, and congenital anomalies. Subgroup analysis included patients who received letrozole or CC as first-line treatment, and patients with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. RESULTS Twenty-six RCTs published between 2006 and 2019, involving 4168 patients who underwent 8310 cycles of ovulation induction, were included. The probability of ovulation was significantly higher in letrozole as compared to CC cycles (RR: 1.148, 95% CI: 1.077 to 1.223, 3017 women, 19 trials, I2: 47.7%, low-quality evidence). CONCLUSION A higher probability of ovulation is expected in infertile patients with PCOS treated with letrozole as compared to CC. The higher ovulation rate might have contributed to the higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. This finding is also true for patients who were administered letrozole as first-line treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42019125166.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Tsiami
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Irakleitou 1, 50132, Kozani, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54629, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros I Sotiriadis
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstratios M Kolibianakis
- Unit of Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Papageorgiou General Hospital, 54629, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Ammar IMM, Abdou AM. Effect of Ubiquinol supplementation on ovulation induction in Clomiphene Citrate resistance. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Clomiphene Citrate is considered the gold-standard for induction of ovulation and has been used for several years to treat PCOS related infertility. Unfortunately, 15-40% of women with PCOS are resistant to Clomiphene Citrate. The study aimed to evaluate potential benefits of adding the active form of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) to Clomiphene Citrate compared with Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) in Clomiphene Citrate resistant PCOS patients. 148 PCOS Patients with Clomiphene Citrate resistance were randomized into two groups (A and B). In group A, controlled ovarian stimulation was done by Clomiphene Citrate 150 mg daily (from 2nd till 6th day of cycle) together with Ubiquinol starting from 2nd day till day of hCG triggering in a dose of 100 mg orally once daily. In group B, hMG was given from 2nd day of the cycle in a dose ranging from 75 to 225 IU. Serial transvaginal ultrasonography was done starting on cycle day 8 and continued till size of leading follicle reaches 18 mm or more then ovulation triggering was done. Thereafter, patients were advised for a timed intercourse (TI) after 36 hours. A blood sample was withdrawn seven days after hCG triggering, for measurement of serum progesterone. If the Patient presented with a missed period for one week, a serum sample was sent for β-hCG.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between studied groups regarding; number of cases reaching mature follicular size, number of stimulated cycles, endometrial thickness on the day of hCG triggering, mid-luteal serum progesterone, positive serum pregnancy test and clinical pregnancy rate.
Conclusions
Addition of Ubiquinol to Clomiphene Citrate improved ovarian responsiveness in Clomiphene Citrate resistant patients with results comparable to conventional hMG stimulation protocol.
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Wu Q, Li J, Ng EHY, Liu J, Mol BWJ, Wu X, Wang CC, Kuang H, Ma H, Gao J, Hou L, Hu Z, Shao X, Ge J, Zhang J, Xue H, Xu X, Liang R, Ma H, Yang H, Huang D, Sun Y, Hao C, Du S, Ding C, Gao Y, Wu T, Stener‐Victorin E, Zhang H, Legro RS. Do baseline AMH levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome predict ovulation rate and time to ovulation: a secondary analysis of PCOSAct trial? BJOG 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Q Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Prince of Wales Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
| | - J Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Prince of Wales Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology The Affiliated Hospital Gui Zhou Medical University Gui Zhou China
| | - EHY Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
| | - J‐P Liu
- Centre for Evidence‐Based Chinese Medicine Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Beijing China
| | - BWJ Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Monash Medical Centre Monash University 246 Clayton Road Clayton Vic. 3168 Australia
| | - X‐K Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology First Affiliated Hospital Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine Harbin China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin China
| | - CC Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Prince of Wales Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
- Reproduction and Development Laboratory Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong‐Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong City Hong Kong
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Retinal toxicities of systemic anticancer drugs. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 67:97-148. [PMID: 34048859 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Newer anticancer drugs have revolutionized cancer treatment in the last decade, but conventional chemotherapy still occupies a central position in many cancers, with combination therapy and newer methods of delivery increasing their efficacy while minimizing toxicities. We discuss the retinal toxicities of anticancer drugs with an emphasis on the mechanism of toxicity. Uveitis is seen with the use of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B editing anticancer inhibitors as well as immunotherapy. Most of the cases are mild with only anterior uveitis, but severe cases of posterior uveitis, panuveitis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like disease may also occur. In the retina, a transient neurosensory detachment is observed in almost all patients on mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Microvasculopathy is often seen with interferon α, but vascular occlusion is a more serious toxicity caused by interferon α and MEK inhibitors. Crystalline retinopathy with or without macular edema may occur with tamoxifen; however, even asymptomatic patients may develop cavitatory spaces seen on optical coherence tomography. A unique macular edema with angiographic silence is characteristic of taxanes. Delayed dark adaptation has been observed with fenretinide. Interestingly, this drug is finding potential application in Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.
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Albaghdadi AJH, Kan FWK. Therapeutic Potentials of Low-Dose Tacrolimus for Aberrant Endometrial Features in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2872. [PMID: 33808965 PMCID: PMC7998611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major anovulatory infertility affecting a great proportion of women of childbearing age and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Poor endometrial receptivity and recurrent implantation failure are major hurdles to the establishment of pregnancy in women with PCOS. The accumulating body of evidence obtained from experimental and clinical studies suggests a link between inherent adaptive and innate immune irregularities and aberrant endometrial features in PCOS. The use of conventional therapeutic interventions such as lifestyle modification, metformin and ovarian stimulation has achieved limited clinical success in restoring ovulation and endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS. Unlike other immunosuppressive drugs prescribed in the clinical management of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that may have deleterious effects on fertility and fetal development, preclinical studies in mice and in women without PCOS but with repeated implantation failure revealed potential therapeutic benefits for the use of low-dose tacrolimus in treating female infertility. Improved systemic and ovarian immune functions, endometrial progesterone receptor and coreceptor expressions and uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy were among features of enhanced progesterone-receptor sensitivity in the low-dose tacrolimus-treated mouse model of the disease. In this review, we have compiled available experimental and clinical data in literature on endometrial progesterone resistance and current therapeutic options, as well as mechanisms of actions and reported outcomes relevant to the potential therapeutic benefits for the use of low-dose tacrolimus in treating PCOS-associated female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederick W. K. Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
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Farhud DD, Zokaei S, Keykhaei M, Hedayati M, Zarif Yeganeh M. In-Vitro Fertilization Impact on the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Review Article. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 50:438-447. [PMID: 34178791 PMCID: PMC8214614 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i3.5583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to the increasing prevalence of infertility, the number of referrals to infertility treatment centers has also increased. Nowadays, assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. Considering the possible consequences of this method among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and kids conceived by IVF, extensive research has been conducted in this regard. Methods Overall, 100 articles were entered into the study, and relevant articles were searched and extracted from PubMed, Springer, and Google Scholar databases. In IVF procedure, medications such as Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins are used to stimulate and mature follicles and thus increase ovulation. Results There are conflicting opinions on this issue. Some findings report a slight increase in cancer risk for hormone-sensitive cancers including breast cancer. The long-term use of IVF medications can increase estrogen hormones and cause excessive expression of genes, resulting in an increased risk of breast cancer, which is one of the most frequent cancers among women. Conclusion There are some risks to be aware of, which followed the hypothesis that long IVF treatment process may lead to breast cancer among IVF candidates. Furthermore, the risk of breast cancer may be increased in those women with a positive family history and related inherited genes. Therefore, women candidates for IVF should be informed of the probable implications of the reproductive therapy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush D Farhud
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Zokaei
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Keykhaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Zarif Yeganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Devi N, Boya C, Chhabra M, Bansal D. N-acetyl-cysteine as adjuvant therapy in female infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 32:899-910. [PMID: 34592079 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as adjuvant therapy in female infertility. CONTENT We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Ovid databases through April 2019 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and safety of NAC as adjuvant therapy in female infertility. The outcomes assessed were rates of ovulation, pregnancy, miscarriage and multiple pregnancy, presented as pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity and inconsistency of the measurements were identified through Cochrane's Q statistic and I2 statistic. We also performed a sensitivity analysis, publication bias (using funnel plot and Begg's test), and subgroup analysis. SUMMARY Fifteen RCTs recruiting 2330 female receiving NAC were included. The pooled estimate showed the statistically insignificant improvement in outcomes; clinical pregnancy rate 1.55 (95% CI 0.98-2.47; I2=68%; p<0.01), ovulation rate 1.77 (95% CI 0.76-4.14; I2=90%; p<0.01), multiple pregnancy rate 0.83 (95% CI 0.34-1.99; I2=10%; p=0.31) and miscarriage rate 0.76 (95% CI= 0.37, 1.53; I2=0%; p=0.69) . NAC was found less efficacious and safe than metformin in all outcomes. Overall, NAC showed statistically insignificant (OR=0.98-2.47). OUTLOOK NAC can be an effective adjuvant in PCOS related and unexplained female infertility. The effect could be more profound in women with high BMI, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. However, the findings need further confirmation in well-designed randomized controlled trials to examine clinical outcomes such as live birth rate in more extended follow-up periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagita Devi
- Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Boya
- Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, India
| | - Manik Chhabra
- Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, India
| | - Dipika Bansal
- Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, India
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Gadalla MA, Norman RJ, Tay CT, Hiam DS, Melder A, Pundir J, Thangaratinam S, Teede HJ, Mol BWJ, Moran LJ. Medical and Surgical Treatment of Reproductive Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 13:257-270. [PMID: 31710185 PMCID: PMC6875858 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.5608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex condition that affects up to 18% of reproductiveaged women, causing reproductive, metabolic and psychological dysfunctions. We performed an overview and appraisal of methodological quality of systematic reviews that assessed medical and surgical treatments for reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL PLUS and PROSPERO) were searched on the 15th of September 2017. We included any systematic review that assessed the effect of medical or surgical management of PCOS on reproductive, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Eligibility assessment, data extraction and quality assessment by the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool were performed in duplicate. We identified 53 reviews comprising 44 reviews included in this overview; the majority were moderate to high quality. In unselected women with PCOS, letrozole was associated with a higher live birth rate than clomiphene citrate (CC), while CC was better than metformin or placebo. In women with CC-resistant PCOS, gonadotrophins were associated with a higher live birth rate than CC plus metformin, which was better than laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). LOD was associated with lower multiple pregnancy rates than other medical treatments. In women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), the addition of metformin to gonadotrophins resulted in less ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and higher pregnancy and live birth rates than gonadotrophins alone. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist was associated with less OHSS, gonadotrophin units and shorter stimulation length than GnRH agonist. Letrozole appears to be a good first line treatment and gonadotrophins, as a second line treatment, for anovulatory women with PCOS. LOD results in lower multiple pregnancy rates. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of the included populations of women with PCOS, further larger scale trials are needed with more precise assessment of treatments according to heterogeneous variants of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa A Gadalla
- Women's Health Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.Elevtronic Address:
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Diabetes and Endocrinology Units, Monash Health, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Danielle S Hiam
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Melder
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jyotsna Pundir
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Women's Health Research Unit, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helena J Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Diabetes and Endocrinology Units, Monash Health, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ben W J Mol
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa J Moran
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the clinical signs of oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility and hirsutism. Conventional treatment of PCOS includes a range of oral pharmacological agents, lifestyle changes and surgical modalities. Beta-endorphin is present in the follicular fluid of both normal and polycystic ovaries. It was demonstrated that the beta-endorphin levels in ovarian follicular fluid of otherwise healthy women who were undergoing ovulation were much higher than the levels measured in plasma. Given that acupuncture impacts on beta-endorphin production, which may affect gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, it is postulated that acupuncture may have a role in ovulation induction via increased beta-endorphin production effecting GnRH secretion. This is an update of our previous review published in 2016. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) for both fertility and symptom control. SEARCH METHODS We identified relevant studies from databases including the Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, CBM and VIP. We also searched trial registries and reference lists from relevant papers. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI and VIP searches are current to May 2018. CBM database search is to November 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with PCOS. We excluded quasi- or pseudo-RCTs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected the studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated risk ratios (RR), mean difference (MD), standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcomes were live birth rate, multiple pregnancy rate and ovulation rate, and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, restored regular menstruation period, miscarriage rate and adverse events. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included eight RCTs with 1546 women. Five RCTs were included in our previous review and three new RCTs were added in this update of the review. They compared true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture (three RCTs), true acupuncture versus relaxation (one RCT), true acupuncture versus clomiphene (one RCT), low-frequency electroacupuncture versus physical exercise or no intervention (one RCT) and true acupuncture versus Diane-35 (two RCTs). Studies that compared true acupuncture versus Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes as they were focused on symptom control.Seven of the studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain.For true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, we could not exclude clinically relevant differences in live birth (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.24; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence); multiple pregnancy rate (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.45; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence); ovulation rate (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.19, I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, 1010 women; low-quality evidence); clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.29; I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, 1117 women; low-quality evidence) and miscarriage rate (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.56; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence).Number of intermenstrual days may have improved in participants receiving true acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture (MD -312.09 days, 95% CI -344.59 to -279.59; 1 RCT, 141 women; low-quality evidence).True acupuncture probably worsens adverse events compared to sham acupuncture (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.31; I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, 1230 women; moderate-quality evidence).No studies reported data on live birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate for the other comparisons: physical exercise or no intervention, relaxation and clomiphene. Studies including Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes.We were uncertain whether acupuncture improved ovulation rate (measured by ultrasound three months post treatment) compared to relaxation (MD 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56; 1 RCT, 28 women; very low-quality evidence) or Diane-35 (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.42; 1 RCT, 58 women; very low-quality evidence).Overall evidence ranged from very low quality to moderate quality. The main limitations were failure to report important clinical outcomes and very serious imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture we cannot exclude clinically relevant differences in live birth rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate or miscarriage. Number of intermenstrual days may improve in participants receiving true acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture. True acupuncture probably worsens adverse events compared to sham acupuncture.No studies reported data on live birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate for the other comparisons: physical exercise or no intervention, relaxation and clomiphene. Studies including Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes as the women in these trials did not seek fertility.We are uncertain whether acupuncture improves ovulation rate (measured by ultrasound three months post treatment) compared to relaxation or Diane-35. The other comparisons did not report on this outcome.Adverse events were recorded in the acupuncture group for the comparisons physical exercise or no intervention, clomiphene and Diane-35. These included dizziness, nausea and subcutaneous haematoma. Evidence was very low quality with very wide CIs and very low event rates.There are only a limited number of RCTs in this area, limiting our ability to determine effectiveness of acupuncture for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Eung Danforn Lim
- University of Technology SydneyFaculty of ScienceC/O Specialist Medical Services Group356 Homer StreetEarlwoodNew South WalesAustralia2206
| | | | - Nga Chong Lisa Cheng
- University of New South WalesSouth Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of MedicinePO Box 3256BlakehurstNSWAustralia2221
| | - George Shengxi Zhang
- Western Sydney UniversitySchool of Science and HealthBuilding 24, Campbelltown CampusCampbelltownNSWAustralia2560
| | - Hui Chen
- University of Technology SydneySchool of Life SciencesPO Box 123, BroadwaySydneyNew South Wales (NSW)Australia2007
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Sinha P, Chitra T, Papa D, Nandeesha H. Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling Reduces Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone/Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Ratio and Improves Clinical Outcome in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Hum Reprod Sci 2019; 12:224-228. [PMID: 31576080 PMCID: PMC6764220 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_161_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is one of the common modes of treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are resistant to clomiphene citrate. The data related to the effect of LOD on sex hormones are limited. Aim: The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of LOD on hormonal parameters and clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Fifty PCOS patients who were admitted for LOD were enrolled in the study. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were estimated in all the patients before and after LOD. Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test was used to assess the differences in hormonal parameters before and after LOD. Results: LOD reduces testosterone (P < 0.001), LH (P < 0.001), and LH/FSH ratio (P < 0.001), increases FSH (P < 0.001) levels, and improves the rate of ovulation (38/50) and clinical pregnancy (21/50) in PCOS. When subgroup analysis was done, LOD significantly reduced testosterone and LH/FSH ratio in ovulatory and conceived groups. Furthermore, the menstrual cycle became regular, and hirsutism and acne were reduced after LOD in women with PCOS. Conclusions: LOD reduces testosterone and LH/FSH ratio and improves clinical outcome in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sinha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Thyagaraju Chitra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Dasari Papa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Hanumanthappa Nandeesha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Showell MG, Mackenzie‐Proctor R, Jordan V, Hodgson R, Farquhar C. Inositol for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 12:CD012378. [PMID: 30570133 PMCID: PMC6516980 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012378.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertile women are highly motivated to try different adjunctive therapies to have a baby, and the widespread perception is that dietary supplements such as myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-insoitol (DCI) are associated with only benefit, and not with harm. Many fertility clinicians currently prescribe MI for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as pre-treatment to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or for ovulation induction; however no high-quality evidence is available to support this practice. This review assessed the evidence for the effectiveness of inositol in subfertile women with a diagnosis of PCOS. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation of inositol for reproductive outcomes among subfertile women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases (to July 2018): Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGFG) Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and AMED. We also checked reference lists and searched the clinical trials registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose, or combination of oral inositol versus placebo, no treatment/standard treatment, or treatment with another antioxidant, or with a fertility agent, or with another type of inositol, among subfertile women with PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The primary outcomes were live birth and adverse effects; secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rates and ovulation rates. We pooled studies using a fixed-effect model, and we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence by applying GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 trials involving 1472 subfertile women with PCOS who were receiving myo-inositol as pre-treatment to IVF (11 trials), or during ovulation induction (two trials). These studies compared MI versus placebo, no treatment/standard, melatonin, metformin, clomiphene citrate, or DCI. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' quality. The main limitations were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods, inconsistency, and lack of reporting of clinically relevant outcomes such as live birth and adverse events.We are uncertain whether MI improves live birth rates when compared to standard treatment among women undergoing IVF (OR 2.42, 95% CI 0.75 to 7.83; P = 0.14; 2 RCTs; 84 women; I² = 0%). Very low-quality evidence suggests that for subfertile women with PCOS undergoing pre-treatment to IVF who have an expected live birth rate of 12%, the rate among women using MI would be between 9% and 51%.We are uncertain whether MI may be associated with a decrease in miscarriage rate when compared to standard treatment (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.86; P = 0.02; 4 RCTs; 535 women; I² = 66%; very low-quality evidence). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS with an expected miscarriage rate of 9% who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, the rate among women using MI would be between 2% and 8%; however this meta-analysis is based primarily on one study, which reported an unusually high miscarriage rate in the control group, and this has resulted in very high heterogeneity. When we removed this trial from the sensitivity analysis, we no longer saw the effect, and we noted no conclusive differences between MI and standard treatment.Low-quality evidence suggests that MI may be associated with little or no difference in multiple pregnancy rates when compared with standard treatment (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.71; P = 0.89; 2 RCTs; 425 women). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, with an expected multiple pregnancy rate of 18%, the rate among women using inositol would be between 12% and 27%.We are uncertain whether MI may be associated with an increased clinical pregnancy rate when compared to standard treatment (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.85; P = 0.22; 4 RCTs; 535 women; I² = 0%; very low-quality evidence). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, with an expected clinical pregnancy rate of 26%, the rate among women using MI would be between 24% and 40%. Ovulation rates were not reported for this comparison.Other comparisons included only one trial in each, so for the comparisons MI versus antioxidant, MI versus an insulin-sensitising agent, MI versus an ovulation induction agent, and MI versus another DCI, meta-analysis was not possible.No pooled evidence was available for women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, as only single trials performed comparison of the insulin-sensitising agent and the ovulation induction agent. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In light of available evidence of very low quality, we are uncertain whether MI improves live birth rate or clinical pregnancy rate in subfertile women with PCOS undergoing IVF pre-treatment taking MI compared to standard treatment. We are also uncertain whether MI decreases miscarriage rates or multiple pregnancy rates for these same women taking MI compared to standard treatment. No pooled evidence is available for use of MI versus placebo, another antioxidant, insulin-sensitising agents, ovulation induction agents, or another type of inositol for women with PCOS undergoing pre-treatment to IVF. No pooled evidence is available for use of MI in women undergoing ovulation induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian G Showell
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | | | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Ruth Hodgson
- Auckland City HospitalDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
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Serum atrial natriuretic peptide levels among clomiphene citrate resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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19
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Abstract
Clomiphene citrate is a common drug used for the treatment of chronic anovulation, especially in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. The drug potentially has systemic and ocular side effects. Here, we present ocular side effects in a PCOS patient and emphasize the need to pay attention to visual complaints during treatment course with clomiphene citrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzinvash
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Yazd Province, Iran
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20
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Kristensen SG, Andersen CY. Cryopreservation of Ovarian Tissue: Opportunities Beyond Fertility Preservation and a Positive View Into the Future. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:347. [PMID: 30002647 PMCID: PMC6031740 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In current years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and transplantation is gaining ground as a successful method of preserving fertility in young women with primarily cancer diseases, hereby giving them a chance of becoming biological mothers later on. However, OTC preserves more than just the reproductive potential; it restores the ovarian endocrine function and thus the entire female reproductive cycle with natural levels of essential hormones. In a female population with an increased prevalence in the loss of ovarian function due to induced primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and aging, there is now, a need to develop new treatments and provide new opportunities to utilize the enormous surplus of follicles that most females are born with and overcome major health issues associated with the lack of ovarian hormones. Cell/tissue-based hormone replacement therapy (cHRT) by the use of stored ovarian tissue could be one such option comprising both induction of puberty in prepubertal POI girls, treatment of POI and premature menopause, and as primary prevention at the onset of menopause. In the current review, we explore known and entirely new applications for the potential utilization of OTC including cHRT, social freezing, culture of immature oocytes, and a modern ovarian resection for women with polycystic ovaries, and discuss the indications hereof.
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Zarei A, Alborzi S, Askary E, Alborzi M, Shahbazi F. Effects of clomiphene citrate for prevention of premature luteinizing hormone surge in those undergoing intrauterine insemination outcome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2018; 9:87-93. [PMID: 30338234 PMCID: PMC6174701 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_293_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study is to determine the effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) on preventing premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). This was a randomized clinical trial being performed at Shiraz Mother and Child Hospital. We included 162 women with PCOS selected for IUI cycles. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 150 mg/day CC from the 8th of the cycle though the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection (n = 81) or nothing in the same period (n = 81). Main outcomes included the incidence of premature LH surge, pregnancy rate, abortion and ongoing pregnancy rates, number of maturing follicles, and endometrial thickness. The incidence of premature LH surge was significantly lower in those who received CC (3.0% vs. 14.9%; P = 0.021). The pregnancy rate was 10 (15.1%) and 6 (8.9%) in CC and control groups, respectively (P = 0.342). The ongoing pregnancy rate found to be comparable between two study groups (12.1% vs. 5.9%; P = 0.068). Serum level of estradiol (E2) level at the time of hCG administration was significantly higher in those who were treated with CC when compared to control (1153.5 ± 326.4 vs. 943.2 ± 215.3; P < 0.001). Patients who received CC also had higher number of mature follicles >18 mm when compared to controls (3.85 ± 1.3 vs. 2.94 ± 1.01; P < 0.001). Administration of CC from the 8th day of the cycle to the day of hCG injection in combination with Gonal-f in infertile patients with CC-resistant PCOS undergoing IUI cycles is associated with decreased incidence of premature LH surge, higher E2levels, and higher number of mature ovarian follicles. This protocol is safe and simple and could be considered to be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsoon Zarei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz Medical University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Alborzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Askary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahshid Alborzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shahbazi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Bellver J, Rodríguez-Tabernero L, Robles A, Muñoz E, Martínez F, Landeras J, García-Velasco J, Fontes J, Álvarez M, Álvarez C, Acevedo B. Polycystic ovary syndrome throughout a woman's life. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:25-39. [PMID: 28951977 PMCID: PMC5758469 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women and the main cause of infertility due to anovulation. However, this syndrome spans the lives of women affecting them from in-utero life until death, leading to several health risks that can impair quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality rates. Fetal programming may represent the beginning of the condition characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance which leads to a series of medical consequences in adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Menstrual and fertility problems evolve into metabolic complications as age advances. An early and precise diagnosis is important for an adequate management of PCOS, especially at the extreme ends of the reproductive lifespan. However, many different phenotypes are included under the same condition, being important to look at these different phenotypes separately, as they may require different treatments and have different consequences. In this way, PCOS exhibits a great metabolic complexity and its diagnosis needs to be revised once again and adapted to recent data obtained by new technologies. According to the current medical literature, lifestyle therapy constitutes the first step in the management, especially when excess body weight is associated. Pharmacotherapy is frequently used to treat the most predominant manifestations in each age group, such as irregular menses and hirsutism in adolescence, fertility problems in adulthood, and metabolic problems and risk of cancer in old age. Close surveillance is mandatory in each stage of life to avoid health risks which may also affect the offspring, since fetal and post-natal complications seem to be increased in PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Bellver
- IVI-Valencia, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Fontes
- Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
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Salem MN, Ahmed SR, Abbas AM, Salem AN, Sabala AERM. Short term effects of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in clomiphene citrate resistant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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24
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Weiss NS, Schreurs AMF, van der Veen F, Hompes PGA, Lambalk CB, Mol BW, van Wely M. Women's perspectives on ovulation induction with or without IUI as treatment for normogonadotrophic anovulation: a discrete choice experiment. Hum Reprod Open 2017; 2017:hox021. [PMID: 30895235 PMCID: PMC6276642 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hox021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Question What are the treatment preferences of women with normogonadotrophic anovulation treated with ovulation induction with or without intrauterine insemination (IUI)? Summary Answer Women with normogonadotrophic anovulation differ in their treatment preference; half of them base their preference on the lowest burden and half of them on the highest effectiveness. What is Known Already Common treatments for anovulatory women who wish to conceive are ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate or letrozole taken in tablet form or with injections containing gonadotrophins, all optionally combined with IUI. Patient preferences for these alternatives have not yet been examined in these women. Study Design, Size, and Duration Between August 2014 and February 2017 we conducted a multicentre discrete choice experiment (DCE). The target sample size was calculated by including 20 women for six attributes in the main analysis resulting in the inclusion of 120 women to be able to assess heterogeneity across choices. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods We invited treatment-naive women diagnosed with normogonadotropic anovulation and visiting the outpatient clinic of five Dutch centers (three teaching hospitals and two university hospitals) to participate in the DCE by completing a printed questionnaire. We asked women to indicate their preference in hypothetical alternative treatment scenarios by offering a series of choice sets from which they were to choose their preferred alternatives. The choice sets contained several treatment characteristics of interest, i.e. attributes concerning ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate or letrozole versus gonadotrophins, as well as intercourse and IUI. We selected six attributes: number of visits to the outpatient clinic during treatment; type of medication; intercourse or IUI; risk of side effects; willingness to pay; and pregnancy chances leading to the birth of a child after six treatment cycles. We used a multinominal logit model to determine the preferences of women and investigated heterogeneity in preferences through latent class analysis. To determine if women were willing to make a trade-off for higher pregnancy rates at the expense of a higher burden, we calculated the marginal rate of substitution. Main Results and the Role of Chance The questionnaire was completed by 145 women. All six attributes influenced women’s treatment preferences and those valued as most important were low risk of side effects, a minimal number of hospital visits and intercourse. A total of 55% of women were driven by the wish to conceive with the least medical interference and lowest burden. The remaining women were success driven and chose mainly for the highest chances to conceive, regardless of the burden. Age and duration of subfertility did not significantly differ between these women. Women were willing to trade-off some burden and costs for higher pregnancy chances. Limitations Reasons for Caution The sample size of our study is relatively small which made it not possible to perform interaction tests and subgroup analyses. Wider Implications of the Findings Our results may be used during the counseling of couples about their treatment options. These findings are an argument to explore if a woman prefers potentially fast success or a medically less intense route that might take longer. The preference for the less intense route would lead to the continuation of ovulation induction with oral drugs such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole rather than treatment with injected gonadotrophins, or even IVF. Study Funding/Competing Interest(s) B.W.M. is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548). B.W.M. reports consultancy for Merck, ObsEva and Guerbet. CBL reports grants from Merck and Ferring. Trial Registration Number None.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Weiss
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands
| | - A M F Schreurs
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F van der Veen
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands
| | - P G A Hompes
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C B Lambalk
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B W Mol
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Norwich Centre, 55 King William St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
| | - M van Wely
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands
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Skalkidou A, Sergentanis TN, Gialamas SP, Georgakis MK, Psaltopoulou T, Trivella M, Siristatidis CS, Evangelou E, Petridou E. Risk of endometrial cancer in women treated with ovary-stimulating drugs for subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD010931. [PMID: 28349511 PMCID: PMC6464291 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010931.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical treatment for subfertility principally involves the use of ovary-stimulating agents, including selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, as well as human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovary-stimulating drugs may act directly or indirectly upon the endometrium (lining of the womb). Nulliparity and some causes of subfertility are recognized as risk factors for endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between the use of ovary-stimulating drugs for the treatment of subfertility and the risk of endometrial cancer. SEARCH METHODS A search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase (Ovid) databases up to July 2016, using a predefined search algorithm. A search in OpenGrey, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, ZETOC and reports of major conferences was also performed. We did not impose language and publication status restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Cohort and case-control studies reporting on the association between endometrial cancer and exposure to ovary-stimulating drugs for subfertility in adult women were deemed eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Study characteristics and findings were extracted by review authors independently working in pairs. Inconsistency between studies was quantified by estimating I2. Random-effects (RE) models were used to calculate pooled effect estimates. Separate analyses were performed, comparing treated subfertile women versus general population and/or unexposed subfertile women, to address the superimposition of subfertility as an independent risk factor for endometrial cancer. MAIN RESULTS Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion (1,937,880 participants). Overall, the quality of evidence was very low, due to serious risk of bias and indirectness (non-randomised studies (NRS), which was reflected on the GRADE assessment.Six eligible studies, including subfertile women, without a general population control group, found that exposure to any ovary-stimulating drug was not associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.37; 156,774 participants; very low quality evidence). Fifteen eligible studies, using a general population as the control group, found an increased risk after exposure to any ovary-stimulating drug (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.61; 1,762,829 participants; very low quality evidence).Five eligible studies, confined to subfertile women (92,849 participants), reported on exposure to clomiphene citrate; the pooled studies indicated a positive association ( RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.71; 88,618 participants; very low quality evidence), although only at high dosage (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.68; two studies; 12,073 participants) and at a high number of cycles (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47; three studies; 13,757 participants). Four studies found an increased risk of endometrial cancer in subfertile women who required clomiphene citrate compared to a general population control group (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.48; four studies, 19,614 participants; very low quality evidence). These data do not tell us whether the association is due to the underlying conditions requiring clomiphene or the treatment itself.Using unexposed subfertile women as controls, exposure to gonadotropins was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.34; four studies; 17,769 participants; very low quality evidence). The respective analysis of two studies (1595 participants) versus the general population found no difference in risk (RR 2.12, 95% CI 0.79 to 5.64: very low quality evidence).Exposure to a combination of clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins, compared to unexposed subfertile women, produced no difference in risk of endometrial cancer (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.44; two studies; 6345 participants; very low quality evidence). However, when compared to the general population, an increased risk was found , suggesting that the key factor might be subfertility, rather than treatment (RR 2.99, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.86; three studies; 7789 participants; very low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The synthesis of the currently available evidence does not allow us to draw robust conclusions, due to the very low quality of evidence. It seems that exposure to clomiphene citrate as an ovary-stimulating drug in subfertile women is associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer, especially at doses greater than 2000 mg and high (more than 7) number of cycles. This may largely be due to underlying risk factors in women who need treatment with clomiphene citrate, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, rather than exposure to the drug itself. The evidence regarding exposure to gonadotropins was inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkistis Skalkidou
- Uppsala UniversityDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKvinnoklinikenAkademiska SjukhusetUppsalaSweden75185
| | - Theodoros N Sergentanis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics75 M.Asias StreetAthensGreece11527
| | - Spyros P Gialamas
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics75 M.Asias StreetAthensGreece11527
| | - Marios K Georgakis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics75 M.Asias StreetAthensGreece11527
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics75 M.Asias StreetAthensGreece11527
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University Hospital,Rimini 1AthensChaidariGreece12462
| | - Evangelos Evangelou
- University of Ioannina Medical SchoolDepartment of Hygiene and EpidemiologyUniversity CampusIoanninaGreece45110
| | - Eleni Petridou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics75 M.Asias StreetAthensGreece11527
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Kahyaoğlu S, Yılmaz B, Işık AZ. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical aspects of ovulation induction agents: A review of the literature. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2017; 18:48-55. [PMID: 28506951 PMCID: PMC5450211 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.2016.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is a key step for successful outcomes of assisted reproductive technique cycle outcomes. Many medications are available, which are commonly useed solely or in combination to achieve multiple follicular development. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical information of ovulation induction drugs deserve to be elucidated for every individual patient before commencing infertility treatment. New concepts and new treatment protocols are introduced as ovulation physiology is understood by infertility specialists. Increasing treatment success by minimizing aderse effects is a milestone of all ovarian stimulation protocols that use these novel interventions. Achievement of a satisfactory cycle outcome includes retrieval of sufficient oocytes, a single clinical pregnancy, and avoidance of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In this review, we evaluate the current literature to determine the most reliable and relevant information about the most used ovulation induction drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Kahyaoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bülent Yılmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Medicine, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, IVF Unit, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Zeki Işık
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies Unit, Medical Park Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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Wang R, Kim BV, van Wely M, Johnson NP, Costello MF, Zhang H, Ng EHY, Legro RS, Bhattacharya S, Norman RJ, Mol BWJ. Treatment strategies for women with WHO group II anovulation: systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ 2017; 356:j138. [PMID: 28143834 PMCID: PMC5421445 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of alternative first line treatment options for women with WHO group II anovulation wishing to conceive. DESIGN Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase, up to 11 April 2016. STUDY SELECTION Randomised controlled trials comparing eight ovulation induction treatments in women with WHO group II anovulation: clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, clomiphene and metformin combined, tamoxifen, gonadotropins, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and placebo or no treatment. Study quality was measured on the basis of the methodology and categories described in the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. Pregnancy, defined preferably as clinical pregnancy, was the primary outcome; live birth, ovulation, miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy were secondary outcomes. RESULTS Of 2631 titles and abstracts initially identified, 54 trials reporting on 7173 women were included. All pharmacological treatments were superior to placebo or no intervention in terms of pregnancy and ovulation. Compared with clomiphene alone, both letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin showed higher pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 2.14; 1.71, 1.28 to 2.27; respectively). Letrozole led to higher live birth rates when compared with clomiphene alone (1.67, 1.11 to 2.49). Metformin led to lower multiple pregnancy rates compared with clomiphene alone (0.22, 0.05 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS In women with WHO group II anovulation, letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin are superior to clomiphene alone in terms of pregnancy. Compared with clomiphene alone, letrozole is the only treatment showing a significantly higher rate of live birth. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015027579. READERS' NOTE This is the second version of this paper. The original version was corrected following the retraction of two studies and removal of another which were ineligible (references 40, 41, and 75 of the original paper). These studies are not shown in this version. A tracked changes version of the original version is attached as a supplementary file to the correction notice, which explains the issue further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bobae V Kim
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil P Johnson
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael F Costello
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Richard S Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | | | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
- FertilitySA, Adelaide, Australia
- NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Centre for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
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Kollmann M, Martins WP, Lima MLS, Craciunas L, Nastri CO, Richardson A, Raine-Fenning N. Strategies for improving outcome of assisted reproduction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:709-718. [PMID: 26924636 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify, appraise and summarize the current evidence regarding the efficacy of strategies aimed at improving assisted reproductive techniques in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the standard medical databases was performed. The last electronic search was run in July 2015. The primary outcome measures were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The secondary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy and miscarriage. RESULTS We screened 1021 records and completely assessed 173, finally including 66 studies in the quantitative analysis. Many different interventions were assessed, however the overall quality of the studies was low. We observed moderate-quality evidence that there is no clinically relevant difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy rates (relative risk (RR), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.84-1.08)), or clinical pregnancy (RR, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.91-1.15)) when comparing antagonist and agonist protocols for ovarian stimulation. Additionally, we found low-quality evidence that metformin improves live birth/ongoing pregnancy (RR, 1.28 (95% CI, 1.01-1.63)) and clinical pregnancy rates (RR, 1.26 (95% CI, 1.04-1.53)) when compared with placebo or no intervention. We further found low-quality evidence that there is no clinically relevant difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy rates (RR, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.80-1.34)) and clinical pregnancy rates (RR, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.81-1.22)) when comparing human menopausal gonadotropin for inducing ovulation and artificial preparation with estradiol valerate for endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer (FET). Low-quality evidence suggests that mannitol compared with no intervention (RR, 0.54 (95% CI, 0.39-0.77)) and antagonist protocols compared with agonist protocols (RR, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.49-0.80)) reduce rates of OHSS. CONCLUSION There is low- to moderate-quality evidence suggesting that antagonist protocols are preferable to agonist ones, because they reduce the incidence of OHSS without interfering with clinical pregnancy and live birth for women with PCOS. Additionally there is low-quality evidence pointing to a benefit of metformin supplementation on clinical pregnancy and live birth; and that ovulation induction and administration of estradiol seem to be equally effective for endometrial preparation before FET for women with PCOS. For all other interventions, the evidence is of very low quality, not allowing any meaningful conclusions to be drawn. Estrategias para mejorar el resultado de la reproducción asistida en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Identificar, evaluar y resumir la evidencia actual sobre la eficacia de las estrategias para mejorar las técnicas de reproducción asistida en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP). MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de literatura en las bases de datos médicas estándar. La última búsqueda electrónica se realizó en julio de 2015. Las medidas de resultado primarias fueron los nacimientos vivos/embarazos en curso y el síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica (SHO). Las medidas de resultado secundarias fueron el embarazo confirmado ecográficamente y el aborto. RESULTADOS Se cribaron 1021 registros, de los que se evaluaron por completo 173, para finalmente incluir 66 estudios en el análisis cuantitativo. Aunque se evaluaron muchas intervenciones diferentes, en general la calidad de los estudios fue baja. Se observó evidencia de calidad moderada de que no hay diferencias relevantes clínicamente en las tasas de nacimientos vivos/embarazos en curso (riesgo relativo (RR): 0,95 (IC 95%, 0,84-1,08)), o de embarazos confirmados ecográficamente (RR: 1,02 (IC 95%, 0,91-1,15)), cuando se comparan los protocolos de antagonistas y agonistas para la estimulación ovárica. Además, se encontró evidencia de baja calidad en que la metformina mejora las tasas de nacimientos vivos/embarazos en curso (RR: 1,28 (IC 95%, 1,01-1,63)) y de embarazos confirmados ecográficamente (RR: 1,26 (IC 95%, 1,04-1,53)) en comparación con un placebo o la no intervención. Se encontró también evidencia de baja calidad en que no hay diferencias relevantes clínicamente en las tasas de nacimientos vivos/embarazos en curso (RR: 1,03 (IC 95%, 0,80-1,34)) y las tasas de embarazos confirmados ecográficamente (RR: 0,99 (IC 95%, 0.81-1,22)) al comparar la gonadotropina menopáusica humana para la inducción de la ovulación y la preparación artificial con el valerato de estradiol para preparar el endometrio para la transferencia de embriones congelados (TEC). La baja calidad de la evidencia sugiere que el manitol, en comparación con la no intervención (RR: 0,54 (IC 95%, 0,39-0,77)), y los protocolos de antagonistas, en comparación con los protocolos de agonistas (RR: 0,63 (IC 95%, 0,49-0,80)), reducen las tasas de SHO. CONCLUSIÓN: Hay evidencia de calidad baja a moderada que sugiere que los protocolos de antagonistas son preferibles a los de agonistas, ya que reducen la tasa de SHO sin interferir con el embarazo confirmado ecográficamente y los nacimientos vivos en las mujeres con SOP. Además, existe evidencia de baja calidad que indica un beneficio del uso de metformina como aporte suplementario en embarazos confirmados ecográficamente y en nacimientos vivos; y que la inducción de la ovulación y la administración de estradiol parecen ser igualmente eficaces para la preparación del endometrio antes de la TEC en mujeres con SOP. Para el resto de procedimientos, la evidencia es de muy baja calidad, y por ello no permite extraer conclusiones importantes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kollmann
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - W P Martins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - M L S Lima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - L Craciunas
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Clinical Academic Office, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - C O Nastri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - A Richardson
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nurture Fertility, The East Midlands Fertility Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - N Raine-Fenning
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nurture Fertility, The East Midlands Fertility Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Chen Z, Zhang M, Qiao Y, Yang J. Effects of letrozole in combination with low-dose intramuscular injection of human menopausal gonadotropin on ovulation and pregnancy of 156 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Pak J Med Sci 2016; 32:1434-1438. [PMID: 28083040 PMCID: PMC5216296 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.326.11391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of letrozole (LE) in combination with low-dose intramuscular injection of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) on the ovulation induction and pregnancy of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 156 patients with PCOS infertility were randomly divided into an LE group, a clomiphene citrate (CC) group and an LE + HMG group (n= 52). LE and CC were orally taken according to the prescribed dosage on the 3rd-5th days of menstruation respectively, and 75 IU HMG was given through intramuscular injection. The ovulation induction parameters and pregnancy outcomes were observed. Results: The number of ovulation cycle of LE + HMG group was significantly higher than that of LE group (χ2=8.451, P<0.001). After injection of human chorionic gonadotropin, both endometrial thickness and number of mature follicles of LE + HMG group were significantly higher than those of other two groups (P<0.001), and the daily estradiol (E2) level was also higher (q=4.531, P<0.05). The pregnancy rate of LE + HMG group was 55.7%, which exceeded those of other two groups (compared to LE group, χ2=4.012, P<0.05). In LE + HMG group, the average medication cycle of clinically pregnant patients was (2.9 ± 0.3) weeks, which was significantly shorter than those of CC and LE groups (F=17.241, P<0.001). Conclusion: The regimen using LE in combination with low-dose intramuscular injection of HMG has satisfactory therapeutic effects on ovulation induction, short medication cycle and high clinical pregnancy rate, which is promising for treating patients with PCOS infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Chen
- Zhihua Chen, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P. R. China
| | - Mengzhen Zhang
- Mengzhen Zhang, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P. R. China
| | - Yuhuan Qiao
- Yuhuan Qiao, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P. R. China
| | - Junjuan Yang
- Junjuan Yang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou 450012, P. R. China
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Showell MG, Mackenzie-Proctor R, Jordan V, Hodgson R, Brown J, Farquhar C. Inositol for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hippokratia 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marian G Showell
- University of Auckland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Park Road Grafton Auckland New Zealand 1142
| | | | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of Auckland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Park Road Grafton Auckland New Zealand 1142
| | - Ruth Hodgson
- Auckland City Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Auckland New Zealand 1142
| | - Julie Brown
- The University of Auckland; Liggins Institute; Park Rd Grafton Auckland New Zealand 1142
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of Auckland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Park Road Grafton Auckland New Zealand 1142
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Song D, Shi Y, Zhong Y, Meng Q, Hou S, Li H. Efficiency of mild ovarian stimulation with clomiphene on poor ovarian responders during IVF\ICSI procedures: a meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 204:36-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.07.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the clinical signs of oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility and hirsutism. Conventional treatment of PCOS includes a range of oral pharmacological agents, lifestyle changes and surgical modalities. Beta-endorphin presents in the follicular fluid of both normal and polycystic ovaries. It was demonstrated that the beta-endorphin levels in ovarian follicular fluid of otherwise healthy women who were undergoing ovulation were much higher than the levels measured in plasma. Given that acupuncture has an impact on beta-endorphin production, which may affect gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, it is postulated that acupuncture may have a role in ovulation induction and fertility. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment of oligo/anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). SEARCH METHODS We identified relevant studies from databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CNKI and trial registries. The data are current to 19 October 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with PCOS. We excluded quasi- or pseudo-RCTs. Primary outcomes were live birth and ovulation (primary outcomes), and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, restoration of menstruation, multiple pregnancy, miscarriage and adverse events. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected the studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) and mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN RESULTS We included five RCTs with 413 women. They compared true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture (two RCTs), true acupuncture versus relaxation (one RCT), true acupuncture versus clomiphene (one RCT) and electroacupuncture versus physical exercise (one RCT). Four of the studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain.No study reported live birth rate. Two studies reported clinical pregnancy and found no evidence of a difference between true acupuncture and sham acupuncture (OR 2.72, 95% CI 0.69 to 10.77, two RCTs, 191 women, very low quality evidence).Three studies reported ovulation. One RCT reported number of women who had three ovulations during three months of treatment but not ovulation rate. One RCT found no evidence of a difference in mean ovulation rate between true and sham acupuncture (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.08, one RCT, 84 women, very low quality evidence). However, one other RCT reported very low quality evidence to suggest that true acupuncture might be associated with higher ovulation frequency than relaxation (MD 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56, one RCT, 28 women).Two studies reported menstrual frequency. One RCT reported true acupuncture reduced days between menstruation more than sham acupuncture (MD 220.35, 95% CI 252.85 to 187.85, 146 women). One RCT reported electroacupuncture increased menstrual frequency more than no intervention (0.37, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.53, 31 women).There was no evidence of a difference between the groups in adverse events. Evidence was very low quality with very wide CIs and very low event rates.Overall evidence was low or very low quality. The main limitations were failure to report important clinical outcomes and very serious imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Thus far, only a limited number of RCTs have been reported. At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treatment of ovulation disorders in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Eung Danforn Lim
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, C/O Earlwood Medical Centre,, 356 Homer Street, Earlwood, New South Wales, Australia, 2206
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Salaheldin AbdelHamid AM, Rateb AM, Ismail Madkour WA. Is clomiphene citrate stair-step protocol a good alternative to gonadotrophins in clomiphene-resistant PCO patients? Prospective study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:547-53. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amr M. Salaheldin AbdelHamid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ain Shams University; Cairo Egypt
- Hendawy Medical Center; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed M. Rateb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ain Shams University; Cairo Egypt
| | - Wael A. Ismail Madkour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ain Shams University; Cairo Egypt
- Dubai Fertility and Gynecology Center; Dubai United Arab Emirates
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Melo AS, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Treatment of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: approach to clinical practice. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2015; 70:765-9. [PMID: 26602525 PMCID: PMC4642490 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2015(11)09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome represents 80% of anovulatory infertility cases. Treatment initially includes preconception guidelines, such as lifestyle changes (weight loss), folic acid therapy to prevent the risk of fetal neural tube defects and halting the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The first-line pharmacological treatment for inducing ovulation consists of a clomiphene citrate treatment for timed intercourse. The second-line pharmacological treatment includes the administration of exogenous gonadotropins or laparoscopic ovarian surgery (ovarian drilling). Ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins is effective with cumulative live birth rates of approximately 70%. Ovarian drilling should be performed when laparoscopy is indicated; this procedure is typically effective in approximately 50% of cases. Finally, a high-complexity reproduction treatment (in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is the third-line treatment and is recommended when the previous interventions fail. This option is also the first choice in cases of bilateral tubal occlusion or semen alterations that impair the occurrence of natural pregnancy. Evidence for the routine use of metformin in infertility treatment of anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome is not available. Aromatase inhibitors are promising and longer term studies are necessary to prove their safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Sanches Melo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Alberto Ferriani
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Andrea Navarro
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
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Szwarc MM, Lydon JP, O'Malley BW. Steroid receptor coactivators as therapeutic targets in the female reproductive system. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 154:32-8. [PMID: 26151740 PMCID: PMC5201167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs/p160/NCOA) are a family of three transcriptional coregulators initially discovered to transactivate the transcriptional potency of steroid hormone receptors. Even though SRCs were also found to modulate the activity of multiple other transcription factors, their function is still strongly associated with regulation of steroid hormone action and many studies have found that they are critical for the regulation of reproductive biology. In the case of the female reproductive tract, SRCs have been found to play crucial roles in its physiology, ranging from ovulation, implantation, to parturition. Not surprisingly, SRCs' action has been linked to numerous abnormalities and debilitating disorders of female reproductive tissues, including infertility, cancer, and endometriosis. Many of these pathologies are still in critical need of therapeutic intervention and "proof-of-principle" studies have found that SRCs are excellent targets in pathological states. Therefore, small molecule modulators of SRCs' activity could be applied in the future in the treatment of many diseases of the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Szwarc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA.
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Twenty years of ovulation induction with metformin for PCOS; what is the best available evidence? Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 32:44-53. [PMID: 26656973 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The potential reproductive benefits of metformin, a drug endowed with the capacity to ameliorate insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has garnered much interest over the past 2 decades. In this review, randomized-controlled trials (RCT) and meta-analyses of RCT comparing metformin are critically appraised and summarized. PubMed and CENTRAL databases were consulted. Evidence is insufficient to favour the use of metformin or metformin plus clomiphene citrate instead of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with newly diagnosed PCOS. Evidence is also insufficient to recommend metformin as a primary treatment for non-obese women with PCOS. Metformin plus clomiphene citrate should be considered as an effective option in clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS. In women with PCOS undergoing gonadotrophin ovulation induction, metformin significantly increased pregnancy and live birth rates (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.020, respectively) with reduced risk of cancelled cycles. A beneficial effect of metformin co-treatment in increasing clinical pregnancy rates and reducing the risk of OHSS in PCOS patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques has been shown. No evidence was found of reduced risk of spontaneous abortion or increased risk of major anomalies in women with PCOS taking metformin during the first trimester.
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Liu W, Dong S, Li Y, Shi L, Zhou W, Liu Y, Liu J, Ji Y. Randomized controlled trial comparing letrozole with laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Exp Ther Med 2015; 10:1297-1302. [PMID: 26622481 PMCID: PMC4578114 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the reproductive outcomes of letrozole and laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 141 women with CC-resistant PCOS were enrolled and randomly allocated into groups A and B. Group A (n=71) received 2.5 mg letrozole from days 5 to 10 of menses for up to six cycles, and group B (n=70) underwent LOD. A 6-month follow-up was performed. No statistically significant difference was found in the baseline clinical characteristics and the major serum hormone profiles, including luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and free testosterone, between the two groups. Women receiving letrozole had a lower rate of spontaneous abortion (6.9 vs. 15.8%) and higher clinical pregnancy (40.8 vs. 27.1%) and live birth (38.0 vs. 22.9%) rates; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Letrozole had superior reproductive outcomes compared with LOD in women with CC-resistant PCOS; therefore, letrozole could be used as the first-line treatment for women with CC-resistant PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Shengnan Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central South University Affiliated to Xiang Ya Hospital of Reproductive Center, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yingling Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yazhong Ji
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB. Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health 2015; 7:745-63. [PMID: 26261426 PMCID: PMC4527566 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s70314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most common endocrine dysfunction in fertile women and it is considered a heterogeneous and multifaceted disorder, with multiple reproductive and metabolic phenotypes which differently affect the early- and long-term syndrome’s risks. Women with PCOS present an adverse reproductive profile, including a high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Patients with PCOS present not only a higher prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes mellitus, but also of nonclassic cardiovascular risk factors, including mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, at the moment, clinical data on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women with PCOS are controversial. Finally, women with PCOS show an increased risk of endometrial cancer compared to non-PCOS healthy women, particularly during premenopausal period. Currently, we are unable to clarify if the increased PCOS early- and long-term risks are totally due to PCOS per se or mostly due to obesity, in particular visceral obesity, that characterized the majority of PCOS patients. In any case, the main endocrine and gynecological scientific societies agree to consider women with PCOS at increased risk of obstetric, cardiometabolic, oncology, and psychological complications throughout life, and it is recommended that these women be accurately assessed with periodic follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-Scientific Institute of Treatment and Care (IRCCS), Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Susanna Santagni
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-Scientific Institute of Treatment and Care (IRCCS), Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Falbo
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-Scientific Institute of Treatment and Care (IRCCS), Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista La Sala
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-Scientific Institute of Treatment and Care (IRCCS), Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Mitra S, Nayak PK, Agrawal S. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling: An alternative but not the ultimate in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Nat Sci Biol Med 2015; 6:40-8. [PMID: 25810633 PMCID: PMC4367066 DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.149076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction in 1984, laparoscopic ovarian drilling has evolved into a safe and effective surgical treatment for anovulatory, infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unresponsive to clomiphene citrate. It is as effective as gonadotropins in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates, but without the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies. It improves ovarian responsiveness to successive ovulation induction agents. Its favorable reproductive and endocrinal effects are sustained long. Despite its advantages, its use in unselected cases of PCOS or for non-fertility indications is not prudent owing to the potential risks of iatrogenic adhesions and ovarian insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subarna Mitra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Tatibandh, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Tatibandh, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Sarita Agrawal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Tatibandh, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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Thakker D, Raval A, Patel I, Walia R. N-acetylcysteine for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Obstet Gynecol Int 2015; 2015:817849. [PMID: 25653680 PMCID: PMC4306416 DOI: 10.1155/2015/817849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To review the benefits and harms of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method. Literature search was conducted using the bibliographic databases, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, PsyInfo, and PROQUEST (from inception to September 2013) for the studies on women with PCOS receiving NAC. Results. Eight studies with a total of 910 women with PCOS were randomized to NAC or other treatments/placebo. There were high risk of selection, performance, and attrition bias in two studies and high risk of reporting bias in four studies. Women with NAC had higher odds of having a live birth, getting pregnant, and ovulation as compared to placebo. However, women with NAC were less likely to have pregnancy or ovulation as compared to metformin. There was no significant difference in rates of the miscarriage, menstrual regulation, acne, hirsutism, and adverse events, or change in body mass index, testosterone, and insulin levels with NAC as compared to placebo. Conclusions. NAC showed significant improvement in pregnancy and ovulation rate as compared to placebo. The findings need further confirmation in well-designed randomized controlled trials to examine clinical outcomes such as live birth rate in longer follow-up periods. Systematic review registration number is CRD42012001902.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh Thakker
- Department of Pharmacology, SAL Institute of Pharmacy, Ahmadabad, Gujarat 380060, India
| | - Amit Raval
- Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Isha Patel
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA 22601, USA
| | - Rama Walia
- Department of Endocrinology, Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research Institute (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
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Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, Bensoussan A. Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:511. [PMID: 25524718 PMCID: PMC4528347 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent, complex endocrine disorder characterised by polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism leading to symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne and infertility. Evidence based medical management emphasises a multidisciplinary approach for PCOS, as conventional pharmaceutical treatment addresses single symptoms, may be contra-indicated, is often associated with side effects and not effective in some cases. In addition women with PCOS have expressed a strong desire for alternative treatments. This review examines the reproductive endocrine effects in PCOS for an alternative treatment, herbal medicine. The aim of this review was to identify consistent evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical research, to add to the evidence base for herbal medicine in PCOS (and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism) and to inform herbal selection in the provision clinical care for these common conditions. METHODS We undertook two searches of the scientific literature. The first search sought pre-clinical studies which explained the reproductive endocrine effects of whole herbal extracts in oligo/amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. Herbal medicines from the first search informed key words for the second search. The second search sought clinical studies, which corroborated laboratory findings. Subjects included women with PCOS, menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism. RESULTS A total of 33 studies were included in this review. Eighteen pre-clinical studies reported mechanisms of effect and fifteen clinical studies corroborated pre-clinical findings, including eight randomised controlled trials, and 762 women with menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and/or PCOS. Interventions included herbal extracts of Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza spp., Paeonia lactiflora and Cinnamomum cassia. Endocrine outcomes included reduced luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin, fasting insulin and testosterone. There was evidence for the regulation of ovulation, improved metabolic hormone profile and improved fertility outcomes in PCOS. There was evidence for an equivalent effect of two herbal medicines and the pharmaceutical agents bromocriptine (and Vitex agnus-castus) and clomiphene citrate (and Cimicifuga racemosa). There was less robust evidence for the complementary combination of spirinolactone and Glycyrrhiza spp. for hyperandrogenism. CONCLUSIONS Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence that six herbal medicines may have beneficial effects for women with oligo/amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. However the quantity of pre-clinical data was limited, and the quality of clinical evidence was variable. Further pre-clinical studies are needed to explain the effects of herbal medicines not included in this review with current clinical evidence but an absence of pre-clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Arentz
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Western, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, NSW, 2751, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jason Anthony Abbott
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Caroline Anne Smith
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Alan Bensoussan
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Chene G, Radosevic-Robin N, Tardieu AS, Cayre A, Raoelfils I, Dechelotte P, Dauplat J, Penault Llorca F. Morphological and immunohistochemical study of ovarian and tubal dysplasia associated with tamoxifen. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2251. [PMID: 24998918 PMCID: PMC4083318 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian epithelial dysplasia was initially described in material from prophylactic oophorectomies for BReast CAncer gene (BRCA) mutation. Similar histopathological abnormalities have been revealed after ovulation stimulation. Given that tamoxifen (TAM) has a clomid-like effect and is sometimes used to induce ovulation, we studied the morphological features and immunohistochemical expression patterns of neoplasia-associated markers in adnexectomies previously exposed to TAM for breast cancer. We blindly reviewed 173 histopathological slides of adnexectomies according to three groups – oophorectomies associated with TAM exposure (n=42), oophorectomies associated with clomiphene exposure (n=15) and a spontaneously fertile non cancerous control group (n=116). Morphological features (with an ovarian and tubal dysplasia scoring system) and immunohistochemical expression patterns of Ki-67, p53 and Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1 is an enzyme significantly associated with earlystage ovarian cancer) were evaluated and correlated. Mean tubal dysplasia score was significantly higher in the TAM group and clomiphen group than in controls (respectively 7.8 vs 3.5, P<0.007 and 6.8 vs 3.5, P=0.008). There is no statistical difference for the ovarian score in TAM group in comparison with the control group whereas we found a significant score for clomiphen group (6.5, P=0.009). Increased ALDH1 expression was observed in the two exposed group whereas expression patterns of Ki67 and p53 were moderate. Interestingly, ALDH1 expression was low in non-dysplastic epithelium, high in dysplasia, and constantly low in the two carcinoma. Furthemore, we confirm our previous results showing that ALDH1 may be a useful tissue biomarker in the subtle histopathological diagnosis of tubo-ovarian dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Chene
- Centre Jean Perrin, ERTICA Research Team.
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Franik S, Kremer JAM, Nelen WLDM, Farquhar C. Aromatase inhibitors for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014:CD010287. [PMID: 24563180 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010287.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infrequent periods (oligomenorrhoea) and absence of periods (amenorrhoea). It affects about 4% to 8% of women worldwide and often leads to anovulatory subfertility. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a novel class of drugs that were introduced for ovulation induction in 2001. Over the last ten years clinical trials have reached differing conclusions as to whether the AI letrozole is at least as effective as the first-line treatment clomiphene citrate (CC). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aromatase inhibitors for subfertile women with anovulatory PCOS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following sources from inception to 24/10/2013 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs): the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Pubmed, LILACS, Web of Knowledge, the World Health Organisation (WHO) clinical trials register and Clinicaltrials.gov. Furthermore, we manually searched the references of relevant articles.The search was not restricted by language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all RCTs of aromatase inhibitors used alone or with other medical therapies for ovulation induction in women of reproductive age with anovulatory PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted the data and assessed trial quality. Studies were pooled where appropriate using a fixed effect model to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for most outcomes and risk differences (RDs) for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The primary outcomes were live birth and OHSS. Secondary outcomes were pregnancy, miscarriage and multiple pregnancy. The quality of the evidence for each comparison was assessed using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 RCTs (5560 women). In all studies the aromatase inhibitor was letrozole. Live birth (12 RCTs) One RCT compared letrozole with placebo in women who were clomiphene resistant and the results were inconclusive (OR 3.17, 95% CI 0.12 to 83.17, n=36)Nine RCTs compared letrozole with clomiphene citrate (with or without adjuncts) followed by timed intercourse. The birth rate was higher in the letrozole group (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.03, n=1783, I²=3%)Two RCTs compared letrozole with laparoscopic ovarian drilling. There was no evidence of a difference between the groups in live birth rate (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86, n=407, I²=0%) OHSS (16 RCTs) There was no evidence of a difference in OHSS rates when letrozole was compared with placebo (one RCT, n=36), clomiphene citrate (with or without adjuncts) followed by timed intercourse (nine RCTs, n=2179), clomiphene citrate (with or without adjuncts) followed by intrauterine insemination (IUI) (two RCTs, n=1494), laparoscopic ovarian drilling (one RCT, n=260) or anastrozole (one RCT, n=220). Events were absent or very rare, and no study had more than 2 cases of OHSS. Clinical pregnancy (25 RCTs) One RCT compared letrozole versus placebo in women who were clomiphene resistant and the results were inconclusive (OR 3.17, 95% CI 0.12 to 83.17, n=36)Fourteen RCTs compared letrozole versus clomiphene citrate (with or without adjuncts) followed by timed intercourse. The pregnancy rate was higher in the letrozole group (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60, n=2066, I²=25%)Three RCTs compared letrozole versus clomiphene citrate (with or without adjuncts) followed by IUI. The pregnancy rate was higher in the letrozole group (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.25, n=1597)Three RCTs compared letrozole versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling. There was no evidence of a difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.65, n=553, I²=0%)Two RCTs compared letrozole versus anastrozole, one RCT compared a five day versus a 10 day administration protocol for letrozole and another RCT compared 5 mg of letrozole versus 7.5 mg of letrozole. There was no evidence of a difference in the clinical pregnancy rate in these comparisons.The quality of the evidence was rated as low for live birth and pregnancy outcomes. The reasons for downgrading the evidence were poor reporting of study methods, possible publication bias and the tendency for studies that reported live birth to report higher clinical pregnancy rates in the letrozole group than studies that failed to report live birth (suggesting that results might be somewhat less favourable to letrozole if all studies reported live birth). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Letrozole appears to improve live birth and pregnancy rates in subfertile women with anovulatory PCOS, compared to clomiphene citrate. The quality of this evidence is low and findings should be regarded with some caution. There appears to be no difference in effectiveness between letrozole and laparoscopic ovarian drilling, though there were few relevant studies. OHSS was a very rare event, with no occurrences in most studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Franik
- Faculty of Medical School, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 9, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 6500HB
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Nahuis MJ, Weiss NS, van der Veen F, Mol BWJ, Hompes PG, Oosterhuis J, Lambalk NB, Smeenk JMJ, Koks CAM, van Golde RJT, Laven JSE, Cohlen BJ, Fleischer K, Goverde AJ, Gerards MH, Klijn NF, Nekrui LCM, van Rooij IAJ, Hoozemans DA, van Wely M. The M-OVIN study: does switching treatment to FSH and / or IUI lead to higher pregnancy rates in a subset of women with world health organization type II anovulation not conceiving after six ovulatory cycles with clomiphene citrate - a randomised controlled trial. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2013; 13:42. [PMID: 24160333 PMCID: PMC3828011 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clomiphene citrate (CC) is first line treatment in women with World Health Organization (WHO) type II anovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Whereas 60% to 85% of these women will ovulate on CC, only about one half will have conceived after six cycles. If women do not conceive, treatment can be continued with gonadotropins or intra-uterine insemination (IUI). At present, it is unclear for how many cycles ovulation induction with CC should be repeated, and when to switch to ovulation induction with gonadotropins and/or IUI. METHODS/DESIGN We started a multicenter randomised controlled trial in the Netherlands comparing six cycles of CC plus intercourse or six cycles of gonadotrophins plus intercourse or six cycles of CC plus IUI or six cycles of gonadotrophins plus IUI.Women with WHO type II anovulation who ovulate but did not conceive after six ovulatory cycles of CC with a maximum of 150 mg daily for five days will be included.Our primary outcome is birth of a healthy child resulting from a pregnancy that was established in the first eight months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy and treatment costs. The analysis will be performed according to the intention to treat principle. Two comparisons will be made, one in which CC is compared to gonadotrophins and one in which the addition of IUI is compared to ovulation induction only. Assuming a live birth rate of 40% after CC, 55% after addition of IUI and 55% after ovulation induction with gonadotrophins, with an alpha of 5% and a power of 80%, we need to recruit 200 women per arm (800 women in total).An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee has criticized the data of the first 150 women and concluded that a sample size re-estimation should be performed after including 320 patients (i.e. 80 per arm). DISCUSSION The trial will provide evidence on the most effective, safest and most cost effective treatment in women with WHO type II anovulation who do not conceive after six ovulatory cycles with CC with a maximum of 150 mg daily for five days. This evidence could imply the need for changing our guidelines, which may cause a shift in large practice variation to evidence based primary treatment for these women. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Netherlands Trial register NTR1449.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen J Nahuis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Elgafor el sharkwy IA. Metformin versus laparoscopic unilateral ovarian drilling in clomiphene resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Saha L, Kaur S, Saha PK. N-acetyl cysteine in clomiphene citrate resistant polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of reported outcomes. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2013; 4:187-91. [PMID: 23960423 PMCID: PMC3746301 DOI: 10.4103/0976-500x.114597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been the gold-standard drug for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but still CC resistance is seen in approximately 15-40% in women with PCOS. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a safe and cheap drug available in the market many years ago as mucolytic agent, was found to have a role in infertility management. Recently, some reports discussed the possible beneficial effects of NAC on ovulation. The biological properties of the NAC make this drug a potential candidate for its use in the infertility treatment, especially in the PCOS in inducing or augmenting ovulation. An updated electronic search was performed through PUBMED, MEDLINE, and COCHRANE and focused on peer-reviewed, full text, randomized controlled trials, and observational cohort or case-control studies for role of NAC in CC-resistant PCOS. Thorough search through all the clinical studies showed mixed results. Studies with positive results showed improvement in induction of ovulation as compared to negative studies showing contrary results. More randomized clinical trials are still needed to establish its definitive role in CC-resistant PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Abd Elgafor I. Efficacy of combined metformin-letrozole in comparison with bilateral ovarian drilling in clomiphene-resistant infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:119-23. [PMID: 23361456 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the hormonal-metabolic profiles and reproductive outcomes between women receiving metformin plus letrozole and women undergoing bilateral ovarian drilling in clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS In this randomized study, 146 patients were randomly allocated into group 1 (n = 73) who received metformin plus letrozole, and group 2 (n = 73) who underwent bilateral ovarian drilling. Comparison was done between the basal and after treatment biochemical values for each group, in addition reproductive outcomes after treatment were compared between both groups. RESULTS There was significant reduction in testosterone (p ≤ 0.001), fasting insulin (p ≤ 0.001), and fasting glucose/fasting insulin ratio (p = 0.029) in metformin plus letrozole group, while there was significant reduction in FSH, LH and LH/FSH ratio in bilateral drilling group (p ≤ 0.001, 0.001 and 0.001). No significant difference in cycle regularity (p = 0.82), ovulation (p = 0.24), pregnancy rate (p = 0.32) and abortion rate (p = 0.51) between both groups. CONCLUSION Both metformin plus letrozole and bilateral ovarian drilling are similarly effective as second-line strategies for the treatment of women with PCOS who do not conceive with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abd Elgafor
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
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Kubota T. Update in polycystic ovary syndrome: new criteria of diagnosis and treatment in Japan. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 12:71-77. [PMID: 23874146 PMCID: PMC3695670 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. In 2006 the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) proposed new, revised diagnostic criteria that in the future could also be valued internationally. Based on the new diagnostic criteria, the JSOG has also proposed the revised treatment criteria in 2008. In PCOS obese patients desiring children, weight loss and exercise is recommended. Nonobese patients, or those obese women who do not ovulate after lifestyle changes, are submitted to ovulation-induction therapy with clomiphene citrate (CC). Obese CC-resistant patients who have impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance are treated with a combination of metformin and CC. If these treatments options are unsuccessful, ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropin therapy or laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is recommended. A low-dose step-up regimen is recommended with careful monitoring in order to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. Alternatively, with LOD high successful pregnancy rates of around 60 % are expected with a low risk of multiple pregnancies. If ovulation induction is unsuccessful, IVF-ET treatment is indicated. In high OHSS-risk patients, systematic embryo freezing and subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles are recommended. In nonobese, anovulatory PCOS patients not desiring children, pharmacological treatments such as Holmström, Kaufmann regimens or low-dose oral anticonceptives are used to induce regular withdrawal bleeding. These treatments are especially important for preventing endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. These new diagnostic and treatment criteria hopefully will contribute to an improved care of PCOS patients in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Kubota
- Comprehensive Reproductive Medicine, Graduate SchoolTokyo Medical and Dental University1‐5‐45, Bunkyo‐ku113‐8519TokyoJapan
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Misso ML, Teede HJ, Hart R, Wong J, Rombauts L, Melder AM, Norman RJ, Costello MF. Status of clomiphene citrate and metformin for infertility in PCOS. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:533-43. [PMID: 22939889 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Though widely used, there is uncertainty about the effectiveness and adverse effects of metformin and clomiphene citrate (CC) for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A systematic review (SR) of the best available evidence suggests that both CC and metformin are better than placebo for increasing ovulation and pregnancy rates, but CC is more effective than metformin for ovulation, pregnancy and live-birth rates, in PCOS patients with body mass index (BMI) >30. A combination of CC and metformin is superior to either metformin alone or CC alone, depending on the BMI and CC sensitivity of the patient. This SR provides key messages to guide clinicians and consumers on the use of these interventions in different subgroups of women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Misso
- Women's Public Health Research, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 3168.
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A new look at tamoxifen: co-administration with letrozole in intrauterine insemination cycles. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 287:383-7. [PMID: 23008110 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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