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Baradwan S, Al-Shalhoub F, Alshahrani MS, Himayda S, AlSghan R, Sabban H, Ahmad IH, Sayed MFME, Mohamad EO, AlAmodi AA, Abdelhakim AM, Shaheen K. Effects of letrozole alone or in combination with gonadotropins on ovulation induction and clinical pregnancy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:497-508. [PMID: 38280115 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00531-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare letrozole in combination with gonadotropins versus letrozole monotherapy in ovulation induction and clinical pregnancy among infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Several databases were searched for available clinical trials from inception until March 2023. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared sequential letrozole/gonadotropin versus letrozole alone among infertile women who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. RevMan software was used to perform our meta-analysis. Our primary outcomes were ovulation and clinical pregnancy rates. Our secondary outcomes were endometrial thickness, number of mature follicles (diameter ≥ 18 mm), and incidence of miscarriage and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). RESULTS Six RCTs were retrieved with a total number of 723 patients. The ovulation and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher among the letrozole/gonadotropin group versus the letrozole monotherapy group (p < 0.001). In addition, there were significant improvements in endometrial thickness and number of mature follicles in the letrozole/gonadotropin group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding incidence of miscarriage and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. CONCLUSION Letrozole in combination with gonadotropin is superior to letrozole alone in improving ovulation induction and clinical pregnancy among PCOS patients. More trials are required to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Al-Shalhoub
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samah Himayda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan AlSghan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Sabban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inass Hassan Ahmad
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Entesar Omar Mohamad
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdulhadi A AlAmodi
- College of Health Sciences and Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhakim
- Kasralainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 395 Portsaid Street, Bab El-Kalq, Cairo, 11638, Egypt.
| | - Kareem Shaheen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Vajna RZ, Géczi AM, Meznerics FA, Ács N, Hegyi P, Feig EZ, Fehérvári P, Kiss-Dala S, Várbíró S, Hetthessy JR, Sára L. Strong Early Impact of Letrozole on Ovulation Induction Outperforms Clomiphene Citrate in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:971. [PMID: 39065819 PMCID: PMC11280468 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by hyperandrogenism and/or chronic oligo/anovulation, which leads to infertility. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the efficacy of letrozole compared with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022376611). The literature search included randomized clinical trials. We conducted our systematic literature search across three medical databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and Embase. The data synthesis employed a random effects model. Out of the 1994 articles screened, 25 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The letrozole group exhibited a significant increase in endometrial thickness (mean difference = 1.70, confidence interval: 0.55-2.86; I2 = 97%, p-value = 0.008). The odds of ovulation (odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval: 1.21-2.69; I2 = 51%, p-value = 0.010) and pregnancy (odds ratio = 1.96, confidence interval: 1.37-2.81; I2 = 32%, p-value = 0.002) were significantly higher. The resistance index of the subendometrial arteries showed a significant decrease (mean difference = -0.15, confidence interval: -0.27 to -0.04; I2 = 92%, p-value = 0.030). Women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and treated with letrozole for ovulation induction had increased ovulation and pregnancy rates and increased endometrial thickness. The lower resistance index of subendometrial arteries can enhance intrauterine circulation, creating more favorable conditions for embryo implantation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Zsuzsanna Vajna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.G.); (N.Á.); (S.V.); (L.S.)
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | - András Mihály Géczi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.G.); (N.Á.); (S.V.); (L.S.)
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | - Fanni Adél Meznerics
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Ács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.G.); (N.Á.); (S.V.); (L.S.)
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Emma Zoé Feig
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | - Péter Fehérvári
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1400 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Kiss-Dala
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | - Szabolcs Várbíró
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.G.); (N.Á.); (S.V.); (L.S.)
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
| | | | - Levente Sára
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.G.); (N.Á.); (S.V.); (L.S.)
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (F.A.M.); (P.H.); (E.Z.F.); (P.F.); (S.K.-D.)
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Abu-Zaid A, Gari A, Sabban H, Alshahrani MS, Khadawardi K, Badghish E, AlSghan R, Bukhari IA, Alyousef A, Abuzaid M, Alsharif SA, Alomar O, Alamery AH, Baradwan S. Comparison of Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate in Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:883-905. [PMID: 38030814 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole are the predominant medical interventions for the management of infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To comprehensively summarize the evidence, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was carried out to assess the effect of letrozole and CC on pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to January 2023. We included RCTs conducted on PCOS women comparing letrozole to CC and assessing endometrial thickness, the number and size of follicles, and ovulation and pregnancy rates. The endpoints were summarized as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistic. Fifty trials met our inclusion criteria. The mean endometrial thickness was significantly higher in the letrozole group compared to CC group (SMD: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.49, 1.28; I2=97.72%); however, the number of follicles was higher in the CC group (SMD: -0.56; 95% CI: -0.96, -0.17; I2=96.34%). Furthermore, letrozole intake induced higher ovulation rate (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.26; I2=54.49%) and pregnancy rate (RR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.62; I2=65.58%) compared to CC. Compared to CC, letrozole has a positive effect on endometrial thickness, monofollicular development, and ovulation and pregnancy rates suggesting that letrozole may be a strong alternative to CC as a first-line medical intervention for chronic anovulation in PCOS women. Larger studies are warranted to further clarify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulrahim Gari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Almurjan Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Sabban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine at Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Khadawardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Badghish
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan AlSghan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtihal Abdulaziz Bukhari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alyousef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abuzaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhayil General Hospital, Muhayil, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Abdullah Alsharif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Alomar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliyah Hadi Alamery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Chen LJ, Liu Y, Zhang L, Li JY, Xiong WQ, Li T, Ding H, Li BJ. Sequential 2.5 mg letrozole/FSH therapy is more effective for promoting pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1294339. [PMID: 38283747 PMCID: PMC10811237 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1294339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Study question In infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is the sequential use of letrozole 2.5 mg/follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) more effective than letrozole 5 mg/FSH in stimulating ovulation and promoting pregnancy? Research design and methods The study was designed as a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled pragmatic clinical trial. 220 infertile women between the ages of 20 and 40, who matched the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and had no other identified reasons for infertility were enrolled from April 2023 to July 2023.The participants were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. One group received 2.5 mg of letrozole on cycle days 3-7 with a sequential injection of 75 IU FSH on cycle days 8-10 (n = 110), while the other group received 5 mg of letrozole on cycle days 3-7 with a sequential injection of 75 IU FSH on cycle days 8-10 (n = 110). The duration of FSH treatment varied depending on the follicular development stage. Each participant underwent one to three treatment cycles until achieving pregnancy.The primary outcome was the cumulative pregnancy rate of all the participants. Secondary outcomes included characteristics and clinical pregnancy rates of all the intervention cycles. Results For all 220 participants, the sequential letrozole 2.5 mg/FSH treatment group had a significantly higher cumulative pregnancy rate compared to the letrozole 5 mg/FSH treatment group (72.7% versus 59.1%, RR (95%CI) = 1.23 (1.02, 1.49), P-value = 0.033). For all 468 intervention cycles, letrozole 2.5 mg/FSH group had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate than the letrozole 5 mg/FSH group (36.2% versus 26.3%, P-value = 0.021), no statistically significant differences were observed in ovulation rates or adverse effects. Conclusions The data indicate that the sequential letrozole 2.5mg/FSH protocol may be more effective than the sequential letrozole 5mg/FSH protocol for promoting pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS. Clinical trial registration www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300069638.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing-Yi Li
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bing-Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Chera-Aree P, Tanpong S, Thanaboonyawat I, Laokirkkiat P. Clomiphene citrate plus letrozole versus clomiphene citrate alone for ovulation induction in infertile women with ovulatory dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:602. [PMID: 37964246 PMCID: PMC10647029 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02773-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole to that of CC alone in inducing ovulation in infertile women with ovulatory dysfunction. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single academic medical center between November 2020 and December 2021. Anovulatory infertility females, aged 18 to 40, were evenly distributed by a computer-generated block of four into two treatment groups. A "combination group" received a daily dose of CC (50 mg) and letrozole (2.5 mg), while a "CC-alone group" received a daily dose of CC alone (50 mg). The study medications were administered on days 3 through 7 of menstrual cycle. The primary outcome was the ovulation rate, defined by serum progesterone levels exceeding 3 ng/mL at the mid-luteal phase. The secondary outcomes were ovulation induction cycle characteristics, endometrial thickness, conception rate, and adverse events. RESULTS One hundred women (50 per group) were enrolled in the study. The mean age was not significantly different in both groups: 31.8 years in the combination group and 32.4 years in the CC-alone groups (P = 0.54). The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in the combination and CC-alone groups was 48% and 44%, respectively (P = 0.841). According to intention-to-treat analysis, the ovulation rates were 78% and 70% in the combination and CC-alone groups, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean endometrial thickness or the number of dominant follicles of the groups. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study found no significant difference between the combination of CC and letrozole and CC alone in inducing ovulation in infertile women with ovulatory dysfunction in one cycle. The small number of live births precluded any meaningful statistical analysis. Further studies are needed to validate and extend our findings beyond the scope of the current study. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org with the following number: TCTR20201108004 and was approved on 08/11/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattraporn Chera-Aree
- Infertility and Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Sirikul Tanpong
- Infertility and Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Isarin Thanaboonyawat
- Infertility and Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pitak Laokirkkiat
- Infertility and Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
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Baradwan S, Abuzaid M, Sabban H, Alshahrani MS, Khadawardi K, AlSghan R, Alnoury A, Bukhari IA, Alyousef A, Belancic A, Persad E, Abu-Zaid A. Transvaginal needle versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling in hormonal profile and pregnancy outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2023; 52:102606. [PMID: 37207714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder distinguished by a persistent absence of ovulation. Ovarian drilling is a recognized therapeutic approach for PCOS patients who are unresponsive to medication and can be performed through invasive laparoscopic access or less-invasive transvaginal access. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of transvaginal ultrasound -guided ovarian needle drilling with conventional laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in patients with PCOS. METHODS PUBMED, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from articles published from inception to January 2023. We include RCTs of PCOS that compared transvaginal ovarian drilling and LOD and reported on ovulation and pregnancy rates as the main outcome variable. We evaluated study quality using the Cochrane Risk of bias 2 tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed and the certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the GRADE approach. We registered the protocol prospectively in PROSPERO (CRD42023397481). RESULTS Six RCTs including 899 women with PCOS met the inclusion criteria. LOD was found to significantly reduce anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) (SMD: -0.22; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.05; I2 = 39.85%) and antral follicle count (AFC) (SMD: -1.22; 95% CI: -2.26, -0.19; I2 = 97.55%) compared to transvaginal ovarian drilling. Our findings also indicated that LOD significantly increased the ovulation rate by 25% compared to transvaginal ovarian drilling (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.54; I2 = 64.58%). However, we found no significant difference between the two groups in terms of follicle stimulating hormone (SMD: 0.04; 95% CI: -0.26, 0.33; I2 = 61.53%), luteinizing hormone (SMD: -0.07; 95% CI: -0.90, 0.77; I2 = 94.92%), and pregnancy rate (RR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.98; I2 = 50.49%). CONCLUSION LOD significantly lowers circulating AMH and AFC and significantly increases ovulation rate in PCOS patients compared to transvaginal ovarian drilling. As transvaginal ovarian drillingremains a less-invasive, more cost-effective, and simpler alternative, further studies are warranted to compare these two techniques in large cohorts, with a particular focus on ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abuzaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhayil General Hospital, Muhayil, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Sabban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine at Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Khadawardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan AlSghan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Albaraa Alnoury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Madinah Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtihal Abdulaziz Bukhari
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Andrej Belancic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Emma Persad
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Luo Q, Qin J, Wang H, Hu Y, Yang L, Mao T, Yi L, Liu W, Zeng Q, Qiu Y. Factors associated with spontaneous miscarriage risk in IUI treatment: A retrospectively cohort of 31,933 cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 286:61-68. [PMID: 37209524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
To determine the factors associated with intrauterine insemination (IUI) miscarriages and reduce the IUI miscarriage rate, a retrospective study was performed by reviewing 31,933 IUI cycles from 2006 to 2018. The overall there were 14.50% clinical pregnancies, and 16.74% miscarriages. Logistic regression revealed the following three predictive variables: females aged ≥ 35 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.131; p < 0.001), spontaneous miscarriage history (OR = 1.513; p = 0.005), and ovarian stimulation schemes such as clomiphene citrate (CC) (OR = 1.459; p = 0.003). The natural cycle led to a lower miscarriage rate for patients without spontaneous miscarriage history both for those over 35 years old (OR = 0.402; p = 0.034) and for those under 35 years old (OR = 0.806; p = 0.017). Gonadotropin (Gn) showed the lowest miscarriage rate for patients without abortion history, though no significant differences were found. Patients under 35 with a history of miscarriage were protected from miscarriage by using CC and Gn together (OR = 0.516; p = 0.032). No significant differences were found between various ovarian protocols when patients with abortion history were aged ≥ 35 years (p = 0.606). CC + Gn showed the lowest miscarriage rate. In conclusion, the natural cycle could be suggested for infertility couples to minimize abortion risk. When ovarian induction is required, CC + Gn had the lowest miscarriage rate for women with a history of spontaneous miscarriage while Gn is more successful for individuals without such a history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongxiu Luo
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Jiaying Qin
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Huan Wang
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Yinyan Hu
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Lan Yang
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Taifeng Mao
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Ling Yi
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Wenyan Liu
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China
| | - Qiao Zeng
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China.
| | - Yu Qiu
- Jiangxi province Ji'an Women and Child Health care Hospital (Children's Hospital), Ji'an, PR China.
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8
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Al-Thuwaynee S, Swadi AAJ. Comparing efficacy and safety of stair step protocols for clomiphene citrate and letrozole in ovulation induction for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Med Life 2023; 16:725-730. [PMID: 37520487 PMCID: PMC10375350 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by menstrual irregularities, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and letrozole have both been investigated as ovulation induction therapies for PCOS. This interventional study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a stairstep practice of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate in women with PCOS. A total of 100 women diagnosed with PCOS and infertility participated in the study, which took place from March 2021 to July 2022 at the Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital in Adiwaniyah Province, Iraq. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups (each with 50 women): the first group received clomiphene citrate in a stair step pattern (single dose of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg) for five days, for a maximum of three cycles; the second group received letrozole in a stair step pattern (single dose of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg) for five days, for a maximum of three cycles. Follicle size was monitored using ultrasound to achieve a follicle size >18 mm. The ovulation rate was higher in the letrozole group (86.0%) compared to the clomiphene citrate group (72.0%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.086). The pregnancy rate was slightly higher in the letrozole group (22.0% vs 18.0%), but also not statistically significant (p=0.617). However, the mean time from menstruation to ovulation was significantly shorter in the letrozole group (17.20±1.32 days) compared to the clomiphene citrate group (24.08 ± 1.56 days, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in common side effects between the two groups. Overall, letrozole was found to be as safe as clomiphene citrate but demonstrated a shorter time to ovulation. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these findings and determine their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Al-Thuwaynee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
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9
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Letrozole Compared With Clomiphene Citrate for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:523-534. [PMID: 36735392 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the effect of letrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies from inception to February 1, 2022. Two reviewers retrieved, filtered, and extracted data independently using the bibliographic software EndNote X9 and Excel workbook. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting ovulation induction outcomes in women with infertility and PCOS treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination. The data were merged into a mean difference or risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI, depending on variable types. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS Data collection and organization were conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement. Twenty-nine RCTs were eligible, which included 3,952 women and 7,633 ovulation induction cycles. We acquired evidence from 22 RCTs for the ovulation rate, 28 RCTs for the clinical pregnancy rate, and eight RCTs for live-birth rate. Pooled analysis indicated that letrozole treatment prevailed against clomiphene citrate in ovulation rate (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.21, P <.001), clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.34-1.63, P <.001), and live-birth rate (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.74, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS Letrozole was associated with improved ovulation, pregnancy, and live-birth rates compared with clomiphene citrate. We recommend letrozole over clomiphene citrate as an ovulation induction drug in women with infertility and PCOS, although the quality of the evidence is mixed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO, CRD42022308777.
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Ovulation induction using sequential letrozole/gonadotrophin in infertile women with PCOS: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:352-361. [PMID: 36566146 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is sequential letrozole/human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) superior to letrozole alone in ovulation induction and pregnancy promotion among infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN This open-label randomized controlled trial comparing sequential letrozole/HMG and letrozole alone included 174 participants enrolled from August 2019 to January 2020 at the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Infertile women aged between 18 and 40 years who met Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and without other known causes of infertility were selected for this study. Patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive 2.5 mg letrozole on cycle days 3-7 (n = 87) or 2.5 mg letrozole on cycle days 3-7 with a sequential injection of 75 IU HMG on cycle days 8-10 for one treatment cycle (n = 87). The pregnancy outcome was recorded after one treatment cycle. RESULTS Women receiving sequential treatment achieved a significantly higher ovulation rate than those in the letrozole group (90.8% versus 70.1%, P = 0.001) and the live birth rate of the sequential group was significantly higher than that of the letrozole protocol (23.0% versus 10.3%, P = 0.025); there was no statistical variation with respect to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that the sequential letrozole/HMG protocol may be superior to the letrozole alone protocol in terms of ovulation induction and pregnancy promotion among infertile women with PCOS.
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11
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Evaluation of The Effect of Letrozole in the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Prevention in Participants at Risk of Treatment with Ovulation-Stimulating Drugs:A Randomized Controlled Trial. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 11:386-393. [PMID: 36718297 PMCID: PMC9883038 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.11.3.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background This study aims to evaluate the effect of Letrozole (LE) in reducing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk participants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with In vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial in which participants were randomly divided into two groups (n= 25 per group). Based on GnRH-antagonist protocol, recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone 150 units/day subcutaneously and human menopausal gonadotropin 75 units/ day intramuscularly used from day 2 of the menstrual cycle. In the study group, Letrozole 5 mg daily was added simultaneously with gonadotropin during the first five days of the IVF cycle and in the control group placebo was added. Results There were statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of Estradiol level on Trigger Day (p= 0.04). The total days of stimulation and cumulative Gonadotropin dose were significantly lower in the Letrozole group (p= 0.00). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, numbers of implanted embryos, and clinical pregnancy rates (p-value> 0.05). There was only one moderate case in the intervention group and 9 moderate symptoms in the control group (p= 0.04). Discussion Administration of Letrozole with GnRH antagonist protocol, conventional protocol in PCOS cases in IVF cycle, had a significant effect on reducing the incidence of OHSS. So, if the future studies prove LE co-administration may lessen the incidence of OHSS, LE will be a highly potent drug for preventing OHSS in PCOS cases.
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12
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Rababa’h AM, Matani BR, Yehya A. An update of polycystic ovary syndrome: causes and therapeutics options. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11010. [PMID: 36267367 PMCID: PMC9576888 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by menstrual irregularities, chronic anovulation, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, and acne. At diagnosis, patients can with different manifestations according to the disease phenotype, patient's age, and lifestyle. However, most patients pursue medical care because of the clinical symptoms of PCOS, such as hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities and infertility. Recent studies have shown that PCOS is associated with 80% of anovulatory infertility; however, the precise mechanism of PCOS-induced anovulation is still undetermined. The treatment strategies of PCOS are symptomatic depending mainly on the desired goals and clinical benefits. Life style intervention is still the first line treatment option for overweight females seeking pregnancy. In addition, there are many pharmacological agents that could be added to induce ovulation such as metformin, and clomiphene citrate. Nowadays, many patients preferred to use some herbal medicine that was proved to have potential therapeutic benefits in many studies in the management of PCOS. The purpose of this review was to discuss PCOS-induced infertility and the available therapeutic options as well as the impact of COVID-19 infection on the success of fertility attempts. To address this purpose, Pubmed, Scopus, EMBASE and Google databases were searched for studies discussing PCOS-induced infertility. The literature search revealed the proper therapeutic plans to treat PCOS-induced infertility, and that treatment should be modified according to patient's complaints, reproductive desires, and disease phenotypes. In conclusion, the use of specific therapeutic agents and patients' adherence to lifestyle interventions could help patients recover their reproductive and metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M. Rababa’h
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Bayan R. Matani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Alaa Yehya
- Department of Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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13
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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14
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Khazaei F, Ghanbari E, Khazaei M. Improved hormonal and oxidative changes by Royal Jelly in the rat model of PCOS: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:515-524. [PMID: 34401646 PMCID: PMC8350846 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i6.9373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and complex metabolic disorder, associated with anovulation, changes in sex hormone, biochemical factors, and ovarian tissue. Royal Jelly (RJ) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE To examine the therapeutic effect of RJ on PCOS-related hormonal and biochemical changes in a rat model of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 42 female Wistar rats (weighing 180-200 gr, aged 10-12 wk) were divided into six groups (n = 7/each): control; PCOS; RJ 100 mg/kg; RJ 200 mg/kg; PCOS + RJ 100 mg/kg; and PCOS + RJ 200 mg/kg. After 21 days, the animals were weighed and dissected. The serums were used for nitric oxide (NO) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and estradiol and progesterone measurements. The ovaries were assessed for histological changes. RESULTS PCOS increased estradiol and NO levels, and decreased progesterone and FRAP levels. In PCOS + RJ groups, the progesterone (p = 0.01) and FRAP levels (p ≤ 0.001) increased and the estradiol and NO (p ≤ 0.001) levels decreased significantly. Moreover, the number of mature follicles (p = 0.01) and corpus luteum increased (p ≤ 0.001), and ovarian and uterus weight deceased significantly (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION RJ improved estradiol, progesterone, FRAP, and NO levels, and ovarian structure in the rat model of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khazaei
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Elham Ghanbari
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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15
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Wang L, Lv S, Li F, Bai E, Yang X. Letrozole Versus Clomiphene Citrate and Natural Cycle: Endometrial Receptivity During Implantation Window in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 11:532692. [PMID: 33537000 PMCID: PMC7848032 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.532692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Numerous studies have reported on ovulation and pregnancy rates in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, relevant data on endometrial receptivity are limited. This study was conducted to compare endometrial receptivity during implantation windows among letrozole (LE), clomiphene citrate (CC), and natural cycle, and to assess the predictive value for pregnancy of observed indicators. Methods This randomized controlled trial study enrolled 270 patients with PCOS. Patients were given LE (n=90) at a dose of 2.5mg/day or CC (n=90) at a dose of 50 mg/day on cycle days 5-9 for ovulation induction. Patients in the natural cycle group (n=90) did not receive any drug for ovulation induction. Endometrial ultrasonic parameters, integrin αvβ3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in uterine secretion were detected during the implantation window. The endometrial receptivity, ovulation rate, pregnancy rates, and predictive value of observed indicators for pregnancy were analyzed. Results The successful ovulation rate did not differ between the LE group and CC group (P>0.05). Endometrial ultrasonic parameters [endometrial thickness (ET), endometrial volume (EV), vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI)], integrin αvβ3, and VEGF concentrations in uterine fluid were significantly higher in the LE group compared with the CC group and natural cycle group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates of the LE group were significantly higher than in the CC group (P<0.05). Endometrial ultrasonic parameters (VI, FI, and VFI), integrin αvβ3, and VEGF concentrations in uterine fluid of all pregnancy groups were significantly higher compared with the no pregnancy group (P<0.05), and the above parameters in ongoing pregnancy were significantly higher than in biochemical pregnancy (P<0.05). The endometrial FI during the implantation window had the highest predictive value for pregnancy (AUC=0.889). The integrin αvβ3 in uterine fluid had better predictive value (AUC=0.876) than VEGF. Conclusions Endometrial receptivity during the implantation window of LE is superior to CC in PCOS women, which may be related to higher clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates. Endometrial FI examined by 3-D power Doppler, and integrin αvβ3 in uterine secretion during the implantation window, could be preferable non-invasive predictor markers for pregnancy. Clinical Trial Registration www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900023423.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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16
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Abstract
Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting the final step of the estrogen biosynthetic pathway, has been used in the applications of a wide range of infertility settings. It has been more than 20 years since the initial clinical trial of letrozole for ovulation induction. In light of the accumulating clinical and basic evidence, the efficacy and safety of letrozole have been identified. This mini review focuses on our current knowledge of the applications and mechanisms of letrozole for female infertility and various questions are put forward about how letrozole could be more effectively used.
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17
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Pundir J, Achilli C, Bhide P, Sabatini L, Legro RS, Rombauts L, Teede H, Coomarasamy A, Zamora J, Thangaratinam S. Risk of foetal harm with letrozole use in fertility treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:474-485. [PMID: 33374012 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aromatase inhibitor letrozole is increasingly recommended for ovulation induction, as it is more effective with fewer side-effects than other agents. But many clinicians are reluctant to use the drug for fertility treatment due to a strong-label warning against its use, which warns about congenital malformation risk to the foetus in women seeking pregnancy. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to determine the risks of congenital malformations and pregnancy loss with letrozole compared with clomiphene primarily, and with other fertility drugs and natural conception. SEARCH METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis using PRISMA harms guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and other sources from inception until January 2020, with the MeSH words for 'letrozole' and pregnancy OR foetal/neonatal outcome. We included studies reported on congenital malformations in foetuses born to mothers conceived after fertility treatment, with letrozole versus clomiphene, placebo, gonadotrophins, metformin, natural conception or other agents, from randomised trials, comparative cohort studies and non-comparative observational cohorts. Quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The McMaster tool was used to assess the quality of reported harm for foetal congenital malformations in the studies. We compared the absolute risk of events using risk difference measures and pooled the findings using a fixed-effect model. We evaluated the statistical heterogeneity using forest plots and the I2 statistic and funnel plot to assess publication bias. We assessed the strength of evidence for congenital malformation and pregnancy loss as per the GRADE recommendations and with the Fragility index. OUTCOMES We included 46 studies (18 randomised trials; 21 comparative cohorts; 7 non-comparative cohorts). Overall 2.15% (101/4697; 95% CI 1.7 to 2.5) of babies conceived on letrozole for fertility treatment had congenital foetal malformations. We did not observe a significant increase in congenital malformations with letrozole versus clomiphene in the randomised trials (risk difference (RD) 0.01, 95% CI -0.02, 0.03; I2 = 0%; 14 studies) and found a significant reduction in the cohort studies (RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.04, -0.01; I2 = 0%, 11 studies). The fragility index was 44% (7/16) (either an increase in the intervention arm or a decrease in control arm was needed to alter the results). The risks of pregnancy loss were not increased with letrozole versus clomiphene in the 14 randomised trials (RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.06, 0.04; I2 = 0%), and the risks were reduced in the six cohort studies (RD -0.09, 95% CI -0.17, -0.00; I2 = 68%). The GRADE quality of evidence was low to moderate for congenital malformations and pregnancy loss. We did not find any increased congenital malformation risk with letrozole versus gonadotrophins, natural conception or natural cycle ART, but the number of studies was small. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is no evidence that letrozole increases the risk of congenital foetal malformation or pregnancy loss compared with clomiphene, natural conception or other fertility agents, to warrant warning against its use. Given its therapeutic benefits and lack of evidence of harm to the foetus, clinicians should consider letrozole as first-line agent for ovulation induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Pundir
- Queen Mary University, London E1 4NS, UK.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Chiara Achilli
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
| | - Priya Bhide
- Centre for Women's Health, Queen Mary University of London, E1 2AB, UK.,Homerton University Hospital, London E9 6SR, UK
| | - Luca Sabatini
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Richard S Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State University College of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.,Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Javier Zamora
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Ramon y Cajal Ctra, Madrid 28034, Spain.,Women's Health Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT UK
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18
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Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Kowalczyk K, Trybek P, Jarosz T, Radosz P, Setlak M, Madej P. In Search of New Therapeutics-Molecular Aspects of the PCOS Pathophysiology: Genetics, Hormones, Metabolism and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197054. [PMID: 32992734 PMCID: PMC7582580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In a healthy female reproductive system, a subtle hormonal and metabolic dance leads to repetitive cyclic changes in the ovaries and uterus, which make an effective ovulation and potential implantation of an embryo possible. However, that is not so in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which case the central mechanism responsible for entraining hormonal and metabolic rhythms during the menstrual cycle is notably disrupted. In this review we provide a detailed description of the possible scenario of PCOS pathogenesis. We begin from the analysis of how a set of genetic disorders related to PCOS leads to particular malfunctions at a molecular level (e.g., increased enzyme activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) type 17A1 (17α-hydroxylase), 3β-HSD type II and CYP type 11A1 (side-chain cleavage enzyme) in theca cells, or changes in the expression of aquaporins in granulosa cells) and discuss further cellular- and tissue-level consequences (e.g., anovulation, elevated levels of the advanced glycation end products in ovaries), which in turn lead to the observed subsequent systemic symptoms. Since gene-editing therapy is currently out of reach, herein special emphasis is placed on discussing what kinds of drug targets and which potentially active substances seem promising for an effective medication, acting on the primary causes of PCOS on a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-237-12-85
| | - Karolina Kowalczyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Paulina Trybek
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Jarosz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Radosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Marcin Setlak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Paweł Madej
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
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19
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Benito E, Gómez-Martin JM, Vega-Piñero B, Priego P, Galindo J, Escobar-Morreale HF, Botella-Carretero JI. Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Following Bariatric Surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5868099. [PMID: 32754732 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Restoration of ovulation is quite common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after surgically induced weight loss. Whether or not this results in an improvement of PCOS-associated infertility is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To study fertility and gestational outcomes in women with PCOS after bariatric surgery. DESIGN Unicenter cohort study. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENTS Two hundred and sixteen premenopausal women were screened for PCOS before bariatric surgery. Women were followed-up after the intervention until mid-2019 regardless of having or not PCOS. INTERVENTIONS All participants underwent bariatric surgery from 2005 to 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pregnancy and live birth rates in the PCOS and control groups. RESULTS In women seeking fertility, pregnancy rates were 95.2% in PCOS and 76.9% in controls (P = 0.096) and live birth rates were 81.0% and 69.2%, respectively (P = 0.403). The time to achieve the first pregnancy after surgery was 34 ± 28 months in women with PCOS and 32 ± 25 months in controls. Albeit the mean birth weight was lower (P = 0.040) in newborns from women with PCOS (2763 ± 618 g) compared with those from controls (3155 ± 586 g), the number of newborns with low birth weight was similar in both groups (3 in the PCOS group and 1 in the controls, P = 0.137). Maternal (17.6% in PCOS and 22.2% in controls, P = 0.843) and neonatal (23.5% in PCOS and 14.8% in controls, P = 0.466) complications were rare, showing no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy and fertility rates in very obese women with PCOS after bariatric surgery were high, with few maternal and neonatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Benito
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Gómez-Martin
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Vega-Piñero
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Priego
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Galindo
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor F Escobar-Morreale
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM) & Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRyCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - José I Botella-Carretero
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN) & IRyCIS, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Gaba A, Hörath S, Hager M, Marculescu R, Ott J. Basal Anti Mullerian hormone levels and endometrial thickness at midcycle can predict the outcome after clomiphene citrate stimulation in anovulatory women with PCOS, a retrospective study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:1751-1757. [PMID: 31696366 PMCID: PMC6875151 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies reported that in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, other stimulation agents are superior to the popular first-line regimen, clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovarian stimulation. Nonetheless, CC is still widely used since it is not clear which patients will not respond to it. Furthermore, the prognostic value of endometrium thickness at midcycle is controversial. We aimed to find factors predicting the response to CC and the prognostic value of endometrial thickness at midcycle. Methods We collected data retrospectively from 89 anovulatory PCOS patients who had the first stimulation with 50 mg CC. We analyzed the basal levels of AMH, testosterone, LH, LH:FSH ratio and the endometrial thickness at midcycle by univariate, followed by multivariate regression. The outcome measures were pregnancy, follicle maturation and endometrial thickness at midcycle. Results Stimulation with 50 mg CC resulted in follicle maturation in 50.6% of the women and in 27.0% pregnancies. In the univariate analysis, greater endometrial thickness, lower LH and AMH levels and a lower LH:FSH ratio were associated with pregnancy (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only endometrial thickness remained predictive (p = 0.045). The endometrial thickness cutoff level of ≥ 8 mm showed a sensitivity of 87.5% (96% CI 67.6–97.3) and a specificity of 66.7% (95% CI 43.0–85.4) for prediction of pregnancy. In the multivariate analysis AMH levels 5.4 (3.4; 7.0) (ng/mL) predicted pregnancy (β = − 0.194 ± 0.092; p = 0.034) Conclusion We suggest to refrain from CC as first-line regimen in patients with AMH > 7 ng/ml. Under CC treatment, the cutoff value of ≥ 8 mm endometrium thickness at midcycle is associated with a better outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aulona Gaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steffen Hörath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Hager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Ott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Hager M, Hörath S, Frigo P, Koch M, Marculescu R, Ott J. Changes in serum markers of patients with PCOS during consecutive clomiphene stimulation cycles: a retrospective study. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:91. [PMID: 31585548 PMCID: PMC6777034 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A retrospective case-control study was performed to evaluate whether PCOS-specific serum markers would change in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the course of two consecutive cycles of clomiphene citrate (CC)-stimulation, which did not lead to a pregnancy. METHODS Anovulatory PCOS patients who underwent two consecutive CC-cycles (n = 41) and anovulatory PCOS controls who chose an observational approach for two months (n = 24) were included in the study. The main outcome measures were levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), total testosterone, androstenedione, and sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG). RESULTS In the control group, PCOS-specific serum parameters did not change during two months (p > 0.05). In the CC-group, there were decreases in LH (11.8 ± 4.9 mU/mL vs. 10.9 ± 4.0 mU/mL; p = 0.029), the LH:FSH ratio (2.1 ± 0.8 mU/mL vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 mU/mL; p = 0.007), and AMH (8.08 ± 4.27 ng/mL vs. 7.17 ± 3.37 ng/mL; p = 0.011), as well as an increase in SHBG (46.0 ± 20.2 nmol/L vs. 51.2 ± 21.0 nmol/L; p < 0.001). A higher age and lower baseline total testosterone and AMH levels were predictive of an AMH decline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Two cycles of CC-stimulation that did not lead to a pregnancy were accompanied by mean LH, AMH, and LH:FSH ratio declines and an SHBG increase. The clinical significance seems of minor relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Hager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Steffen Hörath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Frigo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianne Koch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Ott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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22
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Tshzmachyan R, Hambartsoumian E. The role of Letrozole (LE) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients at high risk to develop ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS). A prospective randomized controlled pilot study. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019; 49:101643. [PMID: 31563697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2019.101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, it has been shown that PCOS patients with extremely high anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level are more likely to experience OHSS during IVF, compared to PCOS patients with lower AMH level. While recent data questioned the effect of Letrozole (LE) on the occurrence of OHSS in non-PCOS patients, it role in PCOS patients with very high AMH level was never investigated in a prospective manners. Hence, our main objective was to evaluate the clinical outcome of PCOS patients at very high risk for OHSS undergoing two different COS protocols (with or without LE). METHODS A prospective randomized controlled study (RCT) of 51 patients with specifically high levels of AMH undergoing one of two COS protocols. The control group (group A) consisted of 24 PCOS women who received low-dose gonadotropins using the multiple-dose GnRH-antagonist protocol, GnRH agonist-triggered and "freeze all". The study group (group B) consisted of 24 women with PCOS who received the same protocol combined with LE. High risk criteria for OHSS were: PCOS patients with low BMI, young age, and extremely high level of serum AMH (inclusion criteria for AMH > 50 pmol/L). RESULTS Cumulative live birth rates per retrieval were similar in both groups. While no single case of severe OHSS was observed in, in the study group (group B), the rate of moderate and mild OHSS was 5 times lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In PCOS patients with extremely high AMH levels the LE co-administration to GnRH-Ant protocols results in reduced incidence of OHSS than conventional GnRH-Ant protocols. LE co-administration may prove to be highly effective in preventing OHSS, even in the women who are at high risk to these dangerous complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruzanna Tshzmachyan
- Fertility Center, Yerevan State Medical University, 41/7 Moldovakan street, Nor Nork, 0062, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Eduard Hambartsoumian
- Fertility Center, Yerevan State Medical University, 41/7 Moldovakan street, Nor Nork, 0062, Yerevan, Armenia.
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Costello M, Garad R, Hart R, Homer H, Johnson L, Jordan C, Mocanu E, Qiao J, Rombauts L, Teede HJ, Vanky E, Venetis C, Ledger W. A Review of First Line Infertility Treatments and Supporting Evidence in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:E95. [PMID: 31510088 PMCID: PMC6780967 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7090095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Lifestyle change is considered the first line treatment for the management of infertile anovulatory women with PCOS, and weight loss for those who are overweight or obese. First line medical ovulation induction therapy to improve fertility outcomes is letrozole, whilst other less efficacious ovulation induction agents, such as clomiphene citrate, metformin, and metformin combined with clomiphene citrate, may also be considered. Metformin combined with clomiphene citrate is more effective than clomiphene citrate alone. In obese women with PCOS, clomiphene citrate could be used in preference to metformin alone whilst clomiphene citrate could be added to metformin alone in order to improve reproductive outcome in all women with PCOS. Gonadotrophins, which are more effective than clomiphene citrate in therapy naïve women with PCOS, can be considered a first line therapy in the presence of ultrasound monitoring, following counselling on the cost and the potential risk of multiple pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Costello
- University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia.
| | - Rhonda Garad
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, and Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Roger Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6008, UK.
| | - Hayden Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
| | - Louise Johnson
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | | | - Edgar Mocanu
- Royal College of Surgeons, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia.
| | - Helena J Teede
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in PCOS, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Eszter Vanky
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 1517 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Christos Venetis
- University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia.
| | - William Ledger
- University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia.
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Abstract
This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of letrozole for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Totally, 136 cases of infertility women with PCOS were analyzed. Of those, 68 patients received letrozole, and were assigned to Letrozole group. The other 68 cases received clomiphene, and were assigned to clomiphene group. Patients in both groups were treated up to 5 treatment cycles. The primary endpoint included infant outcomes. The secondary endpoints consisted of the number of women in conception, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and ovulation. In addition, any kinds of adverse events were also recorded.Cases in the Letrozole group did not show better outcomes neither in primary endpoint (live birth, P = .11; birth weight, P = .95; infant gender, P = .85), nor in secondary endpoints (the number of women in conception, P = .07; pregnancy, P = .12; pregnancy loss, P = .47; pregnancy loss in first trimester, P = .70; and ovulation, P = .09), compared with cases in the clomiphene group. Moreover, no adverse events differ significantly between 2 groups.This study demonstrated that the efficacy of letrozole is not superior to the clomiphene in patients with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Ultrosound, Hanzhong People's Hospital, Hanzhong
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Gynecology, The Nineth Hospital of Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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25
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Woeber K, Carlson NS. Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, July 2018. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2018; 47:535-544. [PMID: 29752893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2018.04.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
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