Childbirth experiences in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have more pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm labor than other women. Metformin has been used in an attempt to improve pregnancy outcomes. Our study aims to explore childbirth experiences in women with PCOS compared with a reference population. It also explores the potential influence of metformin, obesity, pregnancy complications, and the duration and mode of birth on childbirth experiences.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a cohort study combining data from two randomized trials conducted in Norway, Sweden and Iceland. The PregMet2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01587378) investigated the use of metformin vs. placebo in pregnant women with PCOS. The Labour Progression Study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02221427) compared the WHO partograph to Zhang's guidelines for progression of labor and were used as the reference population. A total of 365 women with PCOS and 3604 reference women were included. Both studies used the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Main outcome measures were total CEQ score and four domain scores. The CEQ scores were compared using Mann-Whitney U test for women in Robson group 1 with PCOS (n = 131) and reference women (n = 3604). CEQ scores were also compared between metformin-treated (n = 180) and placebo-treated (n = 185) women with PCOS, and for different subgroups of women with PCOS.

RESULTS

There was no difference in total CEQ score between women with PCOS and reference women-Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW)-odds 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-1.17). We detected no difference in CEQ scores between the metformin- and placebo-treated women with PCOS (WMW-odds 1.13, 95% CI 0.89-1.43). Complications in pregnancy did not affect CEQ (WMW-odds 1, 95% CI 0.76-1.31). Higher body mass index (WMW-odds 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.96), longer duration of labor (WMW-odds 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.96), and cesarean section (WMW-odds 0.29, 95% CI 0.2-0.42) were associated with lower CEQ scores in women with PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCOS experience childbirth similarly to the reference women. Metformin did not influence childbirth experience in women with PCOS, neither did pregnancy complications. Obesity, long duration of labor or cesarean section had a negative impact on childbirth experience.

Neonatal outcome following metformin-treated gestational diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common complication associated with gestational diabetes and therefore relevant to consider in evaluations of maternal treatment. We aimed to investigate the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia in offspring exposed to metformin treatment alone (MT) or combined with insulin (MIT) in comparison with nutrition therapy alone (NT), and insulin treatment alone (IT). In addition, we investigated MT in comparison with MIT. Secondary outcomes included neonatal anthropometrics, respiratory morbidity, hyperbilirubinemia, 5-min Apgar score, and preterm birth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This Swedish population-based cohort included 16 181 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and their singleton offspring born in 2019-2021. We estimated risk as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), using individual-level, linkage register-data in multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In the main analysis, MT was associated with a lower risk of neonatal hypoglycemia vs NT (aOR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.96), vs MIT (0.74 [0.64-0.87]), and vs IT (0.47 [0.40-0.55]), whereas MIT was associated with a similar risk of neonatal hypoglycemia vs NT (1.14 [0.99-1.30]) and with lower risk vs IT (0.63 [0.53-0.75]). However, supplemental feeding rates were lower for NT vs pharmacological treatments (p < 0.001). In post hoc subgroup analyses including only exclusively breastfed offspring, the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was modified and similar among MT and NT, and higher in MIT vs NT. Insulin exposure, alone or combined with metformin, was associated with increased risk of being large for gestational age. Compared with NT, exposure to any pharmacological treatment was associated with significantly lower risk of 5-min Apgar score < 4. All other secondary outcomes were comparable among the treatment categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia appears to be comparable among offspring exposed to single metformin treatment and nutrition therapy alone, and the lower risk that we observed in favor of metformin is probably explained by a difference in supplemental feeding practices rather than metformin per se. By contrast, the lower risk favoring metformin exposure over insulin exposure was not explained by supplemental feeding. However, further investigations are required to determine whether the difference is an effect of metformin per se or mediated by other external factors.

Anthropometrics of neonates born to mothers with PCOS with metformin or placebo exposure in utero

INTRODUCTION

Fetal growth may be affected by both maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metformin therapy. Here, we explore the effect of intrauterine metformin exposure on birth anthropometrics of infants born to women with PCOS. We also investigated whether the effect of metformin on birth anthropometrics is modified by maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, PCOS hyperandrogenic phenotype, serum androgen levels, preconception use of metformin and offspring sex. Additionally, we assessed newborn anthropometrics in relation to a national reference population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Individual data from three randomized controlled triasl were pooled. The randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of metformin in pregnant women with PCOS. In all, 397 and 403 were randomized to the metformin and placebo groups, respectively. A Scandinavian growth reference was used to calculate sex and gestational age adjusted z-scores. Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of metformin on offspring z-scores of head circumference, birth length, birthweight, placental weight, body mass index, ponderal index and birthweight:placental weight ratio. S-testosterone, s-androstenedione, and s-sex-hormone binding globulin from four timepoints in pregnancy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the PCOS-placebo group, newborns in the PCOS-metformin group had larger head circumference (head circumference z-score: mean difference = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.11- 0.40). This effect of metformin on head circumference z-score was particularly observed among offspring of overweight/obese mothers and mothers with hyperandrogenic PCOS-phenotype. We observed no difference in other anthropometric measures between the metformin and placebo groups or any clear interaction between maternal androgen levels and metformin. Newborns in the PCOS-placebo group were shorter than in the reference population (birth length z-score: mean = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.05 to -0.03), but head circumference and birthweight were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger head circumference was observed at birth in metformin-exposed offspring of mothers with PCOS. PCOS-offspring were also shorter, with a similar birthweight to the reference population, indirectly indicating higher weight-to-height ratio at birth.

International evidence-based guideline on assessment and management of PCOS-A Nordic perspective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects about 12% of women of reproductive age. In 2018, the first evidence-based guideline on assessment and management of PCOS was published, and an updated extended guideline was released in August 2023. These guidelines followed best practice and are endorsed by 39 organizations worldwide, making them the most robust source of evidence to guide clinical practice. In the 2023 guideline, diagnostic criteria have been further refined as polycystic ovary morphology can now be assessed with gynecological ultrasound or elevated anti-Müllerian hormone levels. A healthy lifestyle should be at the focus of care for all women with PCOS; however, with no specific diet or physical exercise recommended. The latest evidence on medical treatments and fertility management are reviewed, including special considerations regarding long-term follow-up of metabolic and psychiatric comorbidities and pregnancy in women with PCOS. Here we summarize the recommendations from a Nordic perspective.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and risk of pre-eclampsia: A national register-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and pre-eclampsia depends on treated clinical hyperandrogenism and whether PCOS is associated with different subtypes of pre-eclampsia.

DESIGN

Nationwide register-based cohort study.

SETTING

Sweden.

POPULATION

Nulliparous women with PCOS (n = 22 947) and non-PCOS controls (n = 115 272) giving singleton birth at ≥22 gestational weeks during 1997-2015. Treated clinical hyperandrogenism was defined as filled prescriptions of anti-androgenic drugs during 2005-2017 (n = 2301 among PCOS women).

METHODS

The risk of pre-eclampsia was estimated with conditional logistic regression, expressed as adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjustments were performed individually for confounders and predictors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall pre-eclampsia. Early/late (delivery <34/≥34 weeks) pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia with or without a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, women with PCOS had a 29% increased risk of pre-eclampsia (predictor adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.20-1.39), with similar risk estimates for PCOS women with and without treated clinical hyperandrogenism. The association between PCOS and early pre-eclampsia seemed stronger than its association with late pre-eclampsia (predictor adjusted OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.33-2.02) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.17-1.37). Additionally, the association seemed slightly stronger between PCOS and pre-eclampsia in women with an SGA infant than without.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCOS face an increased risk for pre-eclampsia, especially early pre-eclampsia and pre-eclampsia with an SGA infant. We were unable to determine on the basis of available data, whether hyperandrogenism is associated with pre-eclampsia.

Maternal serum levels of prokineticin-1 related to pregnancy complications and metformin use in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a post hoc analysis of two prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Serum prokineticin-1 (s-PROK1) in the second and third trimester of pregnancy is positively correlated to preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm delivery. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prone to these adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the contribution of PROK1 to the development of pregnancy complications and the effect of metformin and hyperandrogenism on s-PROK1 in PCOS have not been studied previously.

DESIGN

This work is a post hoc analysis of two prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trials.

SETTING

Pregnant women with PCOS were included from 11 study centres in Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

From 313 women, 264 participated in the present study after exclusions due to dropouts or insufficient serum samples.

INTERVENTION

Women with PCOS were randomly administered with metformin or placebo, from first trimester to delivery.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

s-PROK1 was analysed using ELISA at gestational week 19 and related to pregnancy complications, fasting insulin levels, homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), testosterone, or androstenedione levels, metformin use, PCOS phenotype and hyperandrogenism.

RESULTS

Maternal s-PROK1 in the second trimester did not predict pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia or late miscarriage/preterm delivery in women with PCOS. However, s-PROK1 was lower in women who used metformin before inclusion, both in those randomised to metformin and to placebo, compared with those who did not. s-PROK1 was also lower in those who used metformin both at conception and during pregnancy compared with those who used metformin from inclusion or did not use metformin at all. s-PROK1 was lower in hyperandrogenic compared with normo-androgenic women with PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal s-PROK1 in the second trimester did not predict pregnancy complications in PCOS. Those who used metformin at conception and/or during pregnancy had lower s-PROK1. PCOS women with hyperandrogenism exhibited lower s-PROK1 compared with normo-adrogenic phenotypes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03259919 and NCT00159536.

SPIOMET4HEALTH-efficacy, tolerability and safety of lifestyle intervention plus a fixed dose combination of spironolactone, pioglitazone and metformin (SPIOMET) for adolescent girls and young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm, parallel-group, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent, chronic endocrine-metabolic disorder of adolescents and young women (AYAs), affecting 5-10% of AYAs worldwide. There is no approved pharmacological therapy for PCOS. Standard off-label treatment with oral contraceptives (OCs) reverts neither the underlying pathophysiology nor the associated co-morbidities. Pilot studies have generated new insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS, leading to the development of a new treatment consisting of a fixed, low-dose combination of two so-called insulin sensitisers [pioglitazone (PIO), metformin (MET)] and one mixed anti-androgen and anti-mineralocorticoid also acting as an activator of brown adipose tissue [spironolactone (SPI)], within a single tablet (SPIOMET). The present trial will evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of SPIOMET, on top of lifestyle measures, for the treatment of PCOS in AYAs.

METHODS

In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm, parallel-group, phase II clinical trial, AYAs with PCOS will be recruited from 7 clinical centres across Europe. Intention is to randomise a total of 364 eligible patients into four arms (1:1:1:1): Placebo, PIO, SPI + PIO (SPIO) and SPI + PIO + MET (SPIOMET). Active treatment over 12 months will consist of lifestyle guidance plus the ingestion of one tablet daily (at dinner time); post-treatment follow-up will span 6 months. Primary endpoint is on- and post-treatment ovulation rate. Secondary endpoints are clinical features (hirsutism, menstrual regularity); endocrine-metabolic variables (androgens, lipids, insulin, inflammatory markers); epigenetic markers; imaging data (carotid intima-media thickness, body composition, abdominal fat partitioning, hepatic fat); safety profile; adherence, tolerability and acceptability of the medication; and quality of life in the study participants. Superiority (in this order) of SPIOMET, SPIO and PIO will be tested over placebo, and if present, subsequently the superiority of SPIOMET versus PIO, and if still present, finally versus SPIO.

DISCUSSION

The present study will be the first to evaluate-in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled way-the efficacy, tolerability and safety of SPIOMET treatment for early PCOS, on top of a lifestyle intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT 2021-003177-58. Registered on 22 December 2021. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=%092021-003177-58 .

Immunomodulatory Effects of Metformin Treatment in Pregnant Women With PCOS

CONTEXT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and increased risk of pregnancy complications. Metformin treatment reduces the risk of late miscarriage and preterm birth in pregnant women with PCOS. Whether the protective effect of metformin involves immunological changes has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of metformin on the maternal immunological status in women with PCOS.

METHODS

A post-hoc analysis was performed of two randomized controlled trials, PregMet and PregMet2, including longitudinal maternal serum samples from 615 women with PCOS. Women were randomized to metformin or placebo from first trimester to delivery. Twenty-two cytokines and C-reactive protein were measured in serum sampled at gestational weeks 5 to 12, 19, 32, and 36.

RESULTS

Metformin treatment was associated with higher serum levels of several multifunctional cytokines throughout pregnancy, with the strongest effect on eotaxin (P < .001), interleukin-17 (P = .03), and basic fibroblast growth factor (P = .04). Assessment of the combined cytokine development confirmed the impact of metformin on half of the 22 cytokines. The immunomodulating effect of metformin was more potent in normal weight and overweight women than in obese women. Moreover, normoandrogenic women had the strongest effect of metformin in early pregnancy, whereas hyperandrogenic women presented increasing effect throughout pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

It appears that metformin has immunomodulating rather than anti-inflammatory properties in pregnancy. Its effect on the serum levels of many multifunctional cytokines demonstrates robust, persisting, and body mass-dependent immune mobilization in pregnant women with PCOS.

ODP426 SPIOMET4HEALTH: a 4-Arm Trial to Test the Effects of Lifestyle Intervention plus either Placebo, or Pioglitazone (PIO), or Spironolactone-Pioglitazone (SPIO), or Spironolactone-Pioglitazone-Metformin (SPIOMET) in Adolescent Girls and Young Women with PCOS

Introduction

PCOS in adolescent girls and young women is nowadays thought to be, in essence, an epiphenomenon of ectopic fat accumulation. By definition, "adolescent PCOS" is characterized by androgen excess (as well clinical as biochemical) and oligo-anovulation (often judged by oligo-amenorrhea) (1) presenting between 2 and 8 years after menarche. There is no FDA-approved treatment for "adolescent PCOS". In SPIOMET4HEALTH (a project funded by the European Commission under Grant Agreement 899671), we aim at reducing ectopic fat in an early phase of PCOS, with a standardized lifestyle intervention plus a pharmacological addendum consisting of either placebo, or PIO, or SPIO, or SPIOMET. In "adolescent PCOS", low-dose pioglitazone (7.5 mg/d) may exert insulin-sensitizing and gonadotropin-normalizing effects, in part by raising the circulating concentrations of high-molecular-weight adiponectin; low-dose spironolactone (50 mg/d) may not only act as an anti-androgen but also exert anti-mineralocorticoid effects that raise energy expenditure by activating brown adipose tissue; low-dose metformin (850 mg/d) is known to act through multiple mechanisms and was recently shown to be capable of changing the relative deficit of GDF15 into an abundance that is thought to contribute to reduce liver fat.

Subjects & Methods

In the SPIOMET4HEALTH trial, patients with "adolescent PCOS" (age range 12. 0–23.9 years; BMI <35 kg/m 2) will be recruited in seven centers across Europe. A total of 364 patients are expected to engage into a lifestyle intervention, and to receive either placebo, or PIO, or SPIO, or SPIOMET once daily (1: 1: 1: 1 randomization; single tablets; double blinding) for 12 months. Post-treatment follow-up will span 6 months. The primary endpoint is ovulation rate, as judged by a combination of menstrual data and progesterone concentrations in saliva; the analysis will start by testing for superiority between placebo and SPIOMET. Secondary endpoints include pre-treatment, on-treatment and post-treatment measures of androgen excess, body composition and insulin sensitivity, as well as measures of quality of life, and of adherence to treatment. The design of this trial has been endorsed by the European Medicines Agency, as part of a "Paediatric Investigation Plan".

Expected Results/Discussion

The SPIOMET4HEALTH project is expected to deliver the first results of an international, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled/placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of the fixed dose combination SPIOMET in adolescent girls and young women with PCOS. Favorable results of this Phase 2 trial may advance SPIOMET into Phase 3. Reference: Ibáñez L, et al. An International Consortium Update: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescence. Horm Res Paediatr 2017;88: 371-395.

Presentation: No date and time listed

High-Intensity Interval Training in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Two-Center, Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Exercise training is recommended to improve cardiometabolic health and fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet there are few randomized controlled trials on the effects of different exercise protocols on clinical reproductive outcomes. Our aim was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on menstrual frequency, as a proxy of reproductive function, in women with PCOS.

METHODS

The IMPROV-IT study was a two-center randomized controlled trial undertaken in Norway and Australia. Women with PCOS were eligible for inclusion. After stratification for body mass index <27 or ≥27 kg·m-2 and study center, participants were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to high-volume HIT (HV-HIT), low-volume HIT (LV-HIT), or a control group. Measurements were assessed at baseline, after the 16-wk exercise intervention, and at 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was menstrual frequency after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included markers of cardiometabolic and reproductive health, quality of life, and adherence to and enjoyment of HIT.

RESULTS

We randomly allocated 64 participants to the HV-HIT (n = 20), LV-HIT (n = 21), or control group (n = 23). There were no differences in menstrual frequency at 12 months between the LV-HIT and control groups (frequency ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.42), the HV-HIT and control groups (frequency ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67-1.29), or the LV-HIT and HV-HIT groups (frequency ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77-1.56). Menstrual frequency increased in all groups from baseline to 12 months. More participants became pregnant in the LV-HIT group (n = 5) than in the control group (n = 0, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

A semisupervised HIT intervention did not increase menstrual frequency in women with PCOS.Clinical Trial Registration Number:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02419482).

Metformin exposure, maternal PCOS status and fetal venous liver circulation: A randomized, placebo-controlled study

Background

Metformin is prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to prevent pregnancy complications. Children exposed to metformin vs. placebo in utero, have increased head circumference at birth and are more overweight and obese at 8 years of age. Also, maternal PCOS-status seems to alter the long-term cardio-metabolic health of offspring. We hypothesized that the long-term effects of metformin-exposure and/or maternal PCOS may be mediated by circulatory adaptations during fetal life.

Material and methods

This is a sub-study of a larger double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, where women with PCOS were randomized to metformin (2g/day) or placebo in pregnancy, a total of 487 women. A sub-group of participants (N = 58) took part in this sub-study and had an extended ultrasound examination at gestational week 32, including blood flow velocity and diameter measurements of the umbilical vein (UV), the ductus venosus (DV) and the portal vein (PV). Blood flow volume was calculated and adjusted for estimated fetal weight (EFW) (normalized flow). Metformin exposed fetuses were compared to placebo exposed fetuses. Fetuses of mothers with PCOS (metformin [n = 30] and placebo [n = 28]) were compared to a low-risk reference population (N = 160) by z-score statistics.

Results

There was no difference in fetal liver flow between metformin vs. placebo-exposed fetuses. Fetuses of mothers with PCOS had higher EFW (0.63 [95% CI 0.44–0.83] p<0.001), lower normalized UV, DV, PV, and lower total venous liver blood flows than the reference population.

Conclusion

Metformin during pregnancy did not affect fetal liver blood-flow. In our population, maternal PCOS-status was associated with reduced total venous liver blood-flow, which may explain altered growth and metabolism later in life.

Changes in Serum Cytokines Throughout Pregnancy in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

CONTEXT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with low-grade inflammation and increased incidence of pregnancy complications, but its influence on the maternal immune system in pregnancy is unknown. Longitudinal serum cytokine profiling is a sensitive measure of the complex immunological dynamics of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to determine the immunological dynamics of serum cytokines throughout pregnancy in women with PCOS and compare it to pregnancy in women without PCOS.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis was conducted of longitudinal serum samples from 2 randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter studies of pregnant women with PCOS and 2 studies of pregnant women without PCOS. Pregnant women with PCOS (n = 358) and without PCOS (n = 258, controls) provided 1752 serum samples from 4 time points in pregnancy (weeks 10, 19, 32, and 36). Main outcome measures included maternal serum levels of 22 cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 4 time points in pregnancy.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS showed marked immunological changes in serum cytokines throughout pregnancy. Compared to controls, women with PCOS showed higher levels of 17 cytokines and CRP at week 10 of pregnancy and a distinct cytokine development throughout pregnancy. The immunological dynamics in women with PCOS was significantly affected by maternal body mass index, smoking, and fetal sex.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy in women with PCOS was associated with a strong early mobilization of inflammatory and other serum cytokines persisting throughout pregnancy, indicating a more activated immune status. These findings provide a novel basis for further study of PCOS and pregnancy complications.

Thyroid Status During Pregnancy in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Effect of Metformin

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism are related conditions, and both are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Knowledge is lacking about the complex interaction between thyroid status and PCOS during pregnancy. We investigated the thyroid status and its association with pregnancy complications in PCOS, and in relation to metformin treatment.

DESIGN

Post-hoc analyses of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

METHODS

288 pregnant women with PCOS were randomized to treatment with metformin or placebo from first trimester to delivery. We measured serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) at gestational week (gw) 5-12, 19, 32 and 36 and related to metformin treatment and pregnancy complications. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-ab) were analyzed at inclusion and at gw 36.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism was 1.5% and 0%, respectively. The TSH level was not affected by metformin, whereas fT4 was significantly higher in the metformin group with less decrease throughout pregnancy compared to placebo, p<0.001. A lower decrease in fT4 during pregnancy correlated to less weight gain (r= -0.17, p=0.020) and tended to be associated with reduced odds ratio for gestational diabetes (OR 0.85 per 1 pmol/L, 95% CI 0.71;1.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with PCOS, metformin treatment during pregnancy was associated with less decrease in fT4 compared to placebo, while it did not affect TSH. A smaller decrease in fT4 correlated to less weight gain and tended to be associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00159536 (The PregMet study); identifier NCT03259919 (The pilot study).

Metformin serum concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum - a clinical study in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background and objectives

Metformin is used to treat gestational diabetes. It is also used to treat women with polycystic ovary syndrome and has been shown to prevent late miscarriage and preterm birth. However, increased renal clearance during pregnancy causes a decline in serum concentrations of metformin. The aim of this study was to explore the time course of the pregnancy‐related changes in metformin pharmacokinetics and the return to the non‐pregnant state.

Method

A subgroup of women in the PregMet2 study (n = 73) agreed to provide serum samples at three time‐points in pregnancy (gestational weeks 19, 28 and 32) and once in post partum, (either 2, 4 or 8 weeks after delivery). Serum metformin concentrations were compared using a four‐parameter logistic model.

Findings

The mean steady‐state serum concentration of metformin during pregnancy was 9.39 μmoL/L, whereas the post partum concentration was 12.36 μmoL/L, an increase of 32% (p = 0,019). This change took place already during the first 2 weeks post partum.

Conclusion

Clinicians who treat pregnant women with metformin should be aware of the significant decrease in metformin concentration mediated by pregnancy, and the rapid increase after delivery, as it may impact both the therapeutic efficacy and the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Gestational weight gain, appetite regulating hormones, and metformin treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: A longitudinal, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To explore mechanisms that modulate gestational weight gain (GWG) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls.

DESIGN

Sub-sample of randomised controlled trials (PCOS) combined with a prospective cohort (controls).

SETTING

Eleven Norwegian, Swedish, and Icelandic hospitals.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with PCOS treated with metformin (PCOS-M, n = 36) or placebo (PCOS-P, n = 37), and healthy pregnant women (HC, n = 15).

METHODS

Serum levels of the appetite regulating hormones leptin, ghrelin, allopregnanolone, and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) were determined in the first and third trimesters.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Excessive GWG (eGWG) relative to body mass index according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guideline. Serum leptin/sOB-R ratio, or free-leptin-index (FLI), as biomarker of leptin sensitivity. Serum ghrelin and allopregnanolone levels.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of eGWG was 44% (38/86). Women with eGWG had higher first and third trimester FLI (P < 0.001), and lower third trimester allopregnanolone levels (P = 0.003) versus women with non-eGWG. The prevalence of eGWG was lower in PCOS-M versus PCOS-P (28% versus 62%, odds ratio = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8, P = 0.005). FLI decreased during pregnancy in PCOS-M (P = 0.01), but remained unaltered in PCOS-P and HC. Ghrelin and allopregnanolone levels were comparable in PCOS-M, PCOS-P and HC throughout pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Excessive GWG is associated with enhanced leptin resistance, and attenuated physiological increase in serum allopregnanolone levels during pregnancy. Metformin reduces the risk for eGWG and improves leptin sensitivity in pregnant women with PCOS.

Ureteric injuries during hysterectomy-A Norwegian retrospective study of occurrence and claims for compensation over an 11-year period

INTRODUCTION

Ureteric injury is a rare but serious, iatrogenic complication of hysterectomy. The risk depends on indication for surgery, predisposing risk factors, and peroperative conditions. Our aims were to evaluate and learn from compensation claims to The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE) for ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomies to predict risk factors, time of identification, symptoms, and consequences, and to relate these cases to injuries registered in The Norwegian Patient Registry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of ureteric injuries occurring during hysterectomies, reported to NPE and the Norwegian Patient Registry from 2009 through 2019.

RESULTS

During the study period, 53 096 hysterectomies were registered in The Norwegian Patient Registry, of which ureteric injury was documented in 643 (1.2%). More ureteric injuries were registered in large hospital trusts than in small trusts (1.3% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.05). NPE received 69 claims due to ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomy, comprising 11% of all injuries in the study period. Compensation was approved for 15%. Women who claimed compensation were younger (48.1 ± 8.9 years vs. 55.1 ± 13.6 years, p < 0.01), more likely to have had a benign diagnosis (89.9% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.01), and more likely to have had the ureteric injury recognized after discharge (58.0% vs. 33.0%, p < 0.001) compared with non-complainants. Identification of the ureters during the hysterectomy was documented in 30% of the NPE patient files. Additional information for the NPE cases included the following. The most common symptoms of unidentified injury were pain (77%), fever (12%), urinary leakage (13%), and anuria (8%). Re-operation was necessary in 77% of the cases, and 10% of the women lost one kidney. Long-term consequences after repair, such as loss of a kidney or persistent pain, were seen in 17%. No women died because of the injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomy in Norway was 1.2%; 11% involved a claim for compensation, and 15% of these had their case approved. Most ureteric injuries were not recognized during the hysterectomy. Documentation of peroperative identification of the ureters during hysterectomy was often missing. Vigilance to pain as a postoperative symptom of peroperative unrecognized ureteric injury may result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Cytokine Patterns in Maternal Serum From First Trimester to Term and Beyond

Pregnancy implies delicate immunological balance between two individuals, with constant changes and adaptions in response to maternal capacity and fetal demands. We performed cytokine profiling of 1149 longitudinal serum samples from 707 pregnant women to map immunological changes from first trimester to term and beyond. The serum levels of 22 cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) followed diverse but characteristic trajectories throughout pregnancy, consistent with staged immunological adaptions. Eotaxin showed a particularly robust decrease throughout pregnancy. A strong surge in cytokine levels developed when pregnancies progressed beyond term and the increase was amplified as labor approached. Maternal obesity, smoking and pregnancies with large fetuses showed sustained increase in distinct cytokines throughout pregnancy. Multiparous women had increased cytokine levels in the first trimester compared to nulliparous women with higher cytokine levels in the third trimester. Fetal sex affected first trimester cytokine levels with increased levels in pregnancies with a female fetus. These findings unravel important immunological dynamics of pregnancy, demonstrate how both maternal and fetal factors influence maternal systemic cytokines, and serve as a comprehensive reference for cytokine profiles in normal pregnancies.

Maternal PCOS status and metformin in pregnancy: Steroid hormones in 5-10 years old children from the PregMet randomized controlled study

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, with potential effects on offspring both genetically and through altered intrauterine environment. Metformin, which ameliorate hormonal disturbances in non-pregnant women with PCOS is increasingly used in pregnancy. It passes the placenta, and the evidence on potential consequences for offspring endocrine development is scarce. We explore the potential effects of maternal PCOS status and intrauterine metformin exposure on offspring steroid hormone levels.

Design

This is a follow-up study of 5–10 years old children from the PregMet-study–a randomized controlled trial comparing metformin (2000 mg/day) to placebo during PCOS pregnancies. Of the 255 children invited, 117 (46%) were included.

Methods

There was no intervention in this follow-up study. Outcomes were serum levels of androstenedione, testosterone, SHBG, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol and calculated free testosterone converted to gender-and age adjusted z-scores from a Norwegian reference population. These were compared in i) placebo-exposed children versus children from the reference population (z-score zero) by the deviation in z-score by one-sample t-tests and ii) metformin versus placebo-exposed children by two-sample t-tests. Holm-Bonferroni adjustments were performed to account for multiple endpoints.

Results

Girls of mothers with PCOS (n = 30) had higher mean z-scores of androstenedione (0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41 to 1.06), p<0.0001), testosterone (0.76 (0.51 to 1.00), p<0.0001), and free testosterone (0.99 (0.67 to 1.32), p<0.0001) than the reference population. Metformin-exposed boys (n = 31) tended to have higher 11-deoxycortisol z-score than placebo-exposed boys (n = 24) (mean difference 0.65 (95% CI 0.14–1.17), p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Maternal PCOS status was associated with elevated androgens in 5- to 10-year-old daughters, which might indicate earlier maturation and increased risk of developing PCOS. An impact of metformin in pregnancy on steroidogenesis in children born to mothers with PCOS cannot be excluded. Our findings need confirmation in studies that include participants that have entered puberty.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and extremely preterm birth: A nationwide register-based study

INTRODUCTION

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth before 37 weeks. However, if this increased risk also includes extremely preterm births (<28 weeks) is unknown. Such information is important to identify women at risk and tailor antenatal care, since child morbidity and mortality become more prevalent with increasing prematurity.

AIMS

To investigate the association between PCOS and extremely preterm birth, and whether onset of PCOS-related preterm birth is predominantly spontaneous or medically indicated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a nationwide register-based cohort study in Sweden. The study population was all live singleton births registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 2005-2014 (n = 1 046 448). Women with and without PCOS were compared by severity of preterm birth [extremely (22+0 to 27+6 weeks), very (28+0 to 31+6 weeks) and moderately (32+0 to 36+6 weeks)] and delivery onset mode (spontaneous or medically indicated). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adjustments were made for maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, country of birth and year of delivery.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1.3% of the women giving birth had PCOS diagnosis. They had an overall higher preterm birth rate than women without PCOS (6.7% and 4.8%, respectively). Women with PCOS had increased odds of preterm birth of all severities, with the highest odds for extremely preterm birth (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0), particularly of spontaneous onset (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 2.0-3.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCOS had more than a two-fold increased risk of extremely preterm birth with spontaneous onset than women without such diagnosis. This can be important in antenatal risk assessment of preterm birth in women with PCOS. Future research is warranted to investigate the biological mechanisms behind preterm birth in women with PCOS.

Higher blood pressure in normal weight women with PCOS compared to controls

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is considered to be the strongest predictive factor for cardio-metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to compare blood pressure (BP) in normal weight women with PCOS and controls matched for age and BMI.

METHODS

From a Nordic cross-sectional base of 2615 individuals of Nordic ethnicity, we studied a sub cohort of 793 normal weight women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (512 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 281 age and BMI-matched controls). Participants underwent measurement of BP and body composition (BMI, waist-hip ratio), lipid status, and fasting BG. Data were presented as median (quartiles).

RESULTS

The median age for women with PCOS were 28 (25, 32) years and median BMI was 22.2 (20.7, 23.4) kg/m2. Systolic BP was 118 (109, 128) mmHg in women with PCOS compared to 110 (105, 120) mmHg in controls and diastolic BP was 74 (67, 81) vs 70 (64, 75) mmHg, both P < 0.001. The prevalence of women with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was 11.1% (57/512) in women with PCOS vs 1.8% (5/281) in controls, P < 0.001. In women ≥ 35 years the prevalence of BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was comparable in women with PCOS and controls (12.7% vs 9.8%, P = 0.6). Using multiple regression analyses, the strongest association with BP was found for age, waist circumference, and total cholesterol in women with PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal weight women with PCOS have higher BP than controls. BP and metabolic screening are relevant also in young normal weight women with PCOS.

Sustained Maternal Hyperandrogenism During PCOS Pregnancy Reduced by Metformin in Non-obese Women Carrying a Male Fetus

CONTEXT

Large, longitudinal studies on androgen levels in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are lacking. While metformin has a mild androgen-lowering effect in non-pregnant women with PCOS, its effects on maternal androgen levels in pregnancy are less well understood.

OBJECTIVE

To describe androgen patterns in pregnant women with PCOS and in healthy control women, and to explore the potential effects of metformin on maternal androgen levels in PCOS.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A post hoc analysis from a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study carried out at 11 secondary care centers and a longitudinal single-center study on healthy pregnant women in Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 262 women with PCOS and 119 controls.

INTERVENTION

The participants with PCOS were randomly assigned to metformin (2 g daily) or placebo, from first trimester to delivery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and free testosterone index (FTI) at 4 time points in pregnancy.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS versus healthy controls had higher A4, T, and FTI, and lower SHBG at all measured time points in pregnancy. In the overall cohort of women with PCOS, metformin had no effect on A4, T, SHBG, and FTI. In subgroup analyses, metformin reduced A4 (P = 0.019) in nonobese women. Metformin also reduced A4 (P = 0.036), T (P = 0.023), and SHBG (P = 0.010) levels through pregnancy in mothers with a male fetus.

CONCLUSION

Metformin had no effect on maternal androgens in PCOS pregnancies. In subgroup analyses, a modest androgen-lowering effect was observed in nonobese women with PCOS. In PCOS women carrying a male fetus, metformin exhibited an androgen-lowering effect.

Circulating and Adipose Tissue miRNAs in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), several miRNAs are differentially expressed compared to women without PCOS, suggesting a role for miRNAs in PCOS pathophysiology. Exercise training modulates miRNA abundance and is primary lifestyle intervention for women with PCOS. Accordingly, we measured the expression of eight circulating miRNAs selected a priori along with miRNA expression from gluteal and abdominal adipose tissue (AT) in 12 women with PCOS and 12 women matched for age and body mass index without PCOS. We also determined the miRNA expression “signatures” before and after high-intensity interval training (HIT) in 42 women with PCOS randomized to either: (1) low-volume HIT (LV-HIT, 10 × 1 min work bouts at maximal, sustainable intensity, n = 13); (2) high-volume HIT (HV-HIT, 4 × 4 min work bouts reaching 90–95% of maximal heart rate, n = 14); or (3) non-exercise control (Non-Ex, n = 15). Both HIT groups trained three times/week for 16 weeks. miRNAs were extracted from plasma, gluteal and abdominal AT, and quantified via a customized plate array containing eight miRNAs associated with PCOS and/or exercise training responses. Basal expression of circulating miRNA-27b (c-miR-27b), implicated in fatty acid metabolism, adipocyte differentiation and inflammation, was 1.8-fold higher in women with compared to without PCOS (P = 0.006) despite no difference in gluteal or abdominal AT miR-27b expression. Only the HV-HIT protocol increased peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak L/min; 9%, P = 0.008). There were no changes in body composition. In LV-HIT, but not HV-HIT, the expression of c-miR-27b decreased (0.5-fold, P = 0.007). None of the remaining seven circulating miRNAs changed in LV-HIT, nor was the expression of gluteal or abdominal AT miRNAs altered. Despite increased cardiorespiratory fitness, HV-HIT did not alter the expression of any circulating, gluteal or abdominal AT miRNAs. We conclude that women with PCOS have a higher basal expression of c-miR-27b compared to women without PCOS and that 16 weeks of LV-HIT reduces the expression of this miRNA in women with PCOS. Intense exercise training had little effect on the abundance of the selected miRNAs within subcutaneous AT depots in women with PCOS.

Claims for compensation from women with cervical cancer in Norway-A retrospective, descriptive study of a 12-year period

INTRODUCTION

In Norway, all patient-reported claims for compensation are evaluated by The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE). The number of claims from women with cervical cancer is rising, and the approval rate is high. Our aim was to study claims for compensation from women with cervical cancer to identify the type of failures, when, during the time-course of treatment, the medical failures occurred, and the consequences of the failures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive study of claims for compensation to NPE from cervical cancer patients during a 12-year period, from 2007 through 2018. We used anonymized medical expert statements and summaries of NPE cases.

RESULTS

In all, 161 women claimed compensation for alleged medical failure related to cervical cancer. Compensation was approved for 100 (62%) women. Mean age at the time of alleged failure was 37.5 years (SD ±9.9). The main reasons why women sought medical attention were routine cervical screening (56%), or vaginal bleeding or discharge (30%). In approved cases, incorrect evaluation of cytology and histology was the cause of most failures (72%). Mean delay of cervical cancer diagnosis for approved cases was 28 months (SD ±22). Treatment not in accordance with guidelines was the cause of failure in 2% of the cases, and failure during follow up was the cause of failure in 12%. Consequences of the failures were as follows: worsening of cancer prognosis (89%), treatment-induced adverse effects, such as loss of fertility (43%) and/or loss of ovarian function in premenopausal women (50%), and permanent injury after chemo-radiation (27%). Seven women (7%) died, most probably as a consequence of the failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The main cause of medical failure in women with cervical cancer was incorrect pathological diagnosis. The main consequences of failures were worsening of cancer prognosis and treatment-induced adverse effects. Increased focus on the quality of pathological examinations, and better routines in all parts of the cervical examinations might improve patient safety for women in risk of cervical cancer.

Metformin in Pregnancy Study (MiPS): protocol for a systematic review with individual patient data meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disorder of pregnancy and contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Metformin is often used for the prevention and management of GDM; however, its use in pregnancy continues to be debated. The Metformin in Pregnancy Study aims to use individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to clarify the efficacy and safety of metformin use in pregnancy and to identify relevant knowledge gaps.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and all Evidence-Based Medicine will be systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) testing the efficacy of metformin compared with placebo, usual care or other interventions in pregnant women. Two independent reviewers will assess eligibility using prespecified criteria and will conduct data extraction and quality appraisal of eligible studies. Authors of included trials will be contacted and asked to contribute IPD. Primary outcomes include maternal glycaemic parameters and GDM, as well as neonatal hypoglycaemia, anthropometry and gestational age at delivery. Other adverse maternal, birth and neonatal outcomes will be assessed as secondary outcomes. IPD from these RCTs will be harmonised and a two-step meta-analytic approach will be used to determine the efficacy and safety of metformin in pregnancy, with a priori adjustment for covariates and subgroups to examine effect moderators of treatment outcomes. Sensitivity analyses will assess heterogeneity, risk of bias and the impact of trials which have not provided IPD.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All IPD will be deidentified and studies contributing IPD will have ethical approval from their respective local ethics committees. This study will provide robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of metformin use in pregnancy, and may identify subgroups of patients who may benefit most from this treatment modality. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at scientific meetings, providing much needed evidence to inform clinical and public health actions in this area.

Proactive versus standard support of labour in nulliparous women; study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prolonged latent phase of labour often results in a traumatic birth experience. Prolonged labour is associated with more operative deliveries, haemorrhage, fetal asphyxia and poor birth experience. Women with prolonged labour in a former pregnancy more often demand caesarean section in the next, due to their negative birth experience. "Proactive support of labour" is an alternative method, developed to counteract prolonged labour. There are little research and no randomized controlled study that compare proactive to standard labour support.

METHODS/DESIGN

A prospective, non-blinded, randomized, single-centre, clinical trial where we compare proactive support to standard support of labour in a university hospital setting.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

latent phase of labour, non-pathologic pregnancy. Robson group 1, with painful contractions, and fully effaced cervix, with 1-3 cm dilatation.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

induction of labour, breech presentation, twin pregnancy, multi-parity, conditions that require extended surveillance before and/or during labour.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

spontaneous, uncomplicated vaginal delivery. After inclusion, women randomized to proactive support of labour will stay at the hospital and have one-to-one midwife support. If no progression during the next 1-2 hours, amniotomy and/or oxytocin stimulation will be started. The control group will adhere to the standard procedures for labour support: expectance until established regular contractions and 4-5 cm cervical dilatation, and then one-to-one midwife support.

DISCUSSION

The idea of proactive support of labour is to initiate early intervention when there are signs of slow progress in order to avoid protracted labour with exhaustion of the mother, the uterus and prolonged stress of the foetus. Proactive support of labour may represent a useful method to improve labour support in nulliparous women. However, evidence based on randomized controlled trials are needed in order to know whether proactive support of labour is comparable or superior to standard care. A randomized, controlled trial is described; challenges and possible clinical implications are discussed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Proactive Support of Labor Study (PAF) ClinicalTrials, NCT03056313. Registered on February 17, 2017.

Improving reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome with high-intensity interval training (IMPROV-IT): study protocol for a two-centre, three-armed randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Women with PCOS have a 15-fold higher prevalence of infertility, compared with women without PCOS, independent of body mass index (BMI). A healthy lifestyle is recommended to improve overall health and fertility in PCOS but there is limited evidence on the isolated effects of exercise, especially for reproductive outcomes. Previous findings indicate superior metabolic health benefits after vigorous compared with moderate-intensity exercise. Our primary aim is to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on menstrual frequency, as a proxy of reproductive function, in women with PCOS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study is a two-centre, randomised, controlled trial with three parallel groups. Women (n=64) from Trondheim (Norway) and Melbourne (Australia) with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) to high-volume HIT, low-volume HIT or a control group with no exercise after stratifying for BMI < or ≥ 27 kg/m² and study centre. Measurements for study end points will be undertaken at baseline, after a 16 week exercise intervention and at 12 months following baseline assessments. The primary outcome measure is menstruation frequency, measured as the number of self-reported menstrual bleedings divided by the number of expected menstrual bleedings during a 12-month period. Secondary outcome measurements include markers of cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive health, as well as quality of life and adherence to and enjoyment of exercise.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Regional Committee Medical Research Ethics, Norway, and The Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia, have approved the trial protocol. This trial will provide new insight regarding the impact of exercise on fertility in PCOS. We expect this trial to contribute to new therapeutic exercise strategies as part of clinical care for women with PCOS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical trial gov NCT02419482.

Cognitive function in metformin exposed children, born to mothers with PCOS - follow-up of an RCT

BACKGROUND

Metformin is widely used in pregnancy to treat gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Association between PCOS and developmental delay in offspring, and larger head circumference of metformin-exposed newborns has been reported. The objective of this study was to explore whether metformin exposure in utero had any effect on offspring cognitive function.

METHOD

The current study is a follow-up of two randomized, placebo-controlled studies which were conducted at 11 public hospitals in Norway In the baseline studies (conducted in 2000-2003, and 2005-2009), participants were randomized to metformin 1700 and 2000 mg/d or placebo from first trimester to delivery. There was no intervention in the current study. We invited parents of 292 children to give permission for their children to participate; 93 children were included (mean age 7.7 years). The follow-up study was conducted in 2014-2016. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence version III and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children version IV were applied for cognitive assessment. Androstenedione and testosterone were measured in maternal blood samples at four time-points in pregnancy.

RESULTS

We found no difference in mean, full scale IQ in metformin (100.0 (SD 13.2)) vs. placebo-exposed (100.9 (SD 10.1)) children. There was an association between metformin exposure in utero and borderline intellectual function of children (full scale IQ between 70 and 85). Free testosterone index in gestational week 19, and androstenedione in gestational week 36 correlated positively to full scale IQ.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence of long-term effect of metformin on average child cognitive function. The increase of borderline intellectual functioning in metformin-exposed children must be interpreted with caution due to small sample size.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The baseline study was registered on 12 September 2005 at the US National Institute of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT00159536.

Impaired Respiratory Function in Women With PCOS Compared With Matched Controls From a Population-Based Study

CONTEXT

Increased prevalence of asthma has been reported from epidemiological studies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate respiratory function in women with PCOS compared with controls in a clinical setting.

DESIGN

An 8-year clinical follow-up study including self-reported asthma diagnoses and spirometry of women with PCOS randomized to metformin or placebo during pregnancy in the original studies (the Pilot and the PregMet-study), compared with matched controls from a population-based cohort study (The HUNT Study).

SETTING

Secondary and tertiary care centers.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 145 women with PCOS (54% of original cohort) were matched 1:3 to controls, on gender, age, and smoking-status.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma (DDA), percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1 % predicted), percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC % predicted).

RESULTS

Women with PCOS reported more DDA compared with controls (19% vs 9%; P < 0.01). Spirometry indicated a combined obstructive (FEV1 % predicted, 93.7 vs 102.0; P < 0.01) and restrictive (FVC % predicted, 94.5 vs 103.7; P < 0.01) respiratory impairment in PCOS compared with controls. Metformin in pregnancy did not affect respiratory function at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Women with PCOS reported higher prevalence of DDA compared with controls matched for age and smoking status. In addition, respiratory function was decreased, with both obstructive and restrictive components. Further insight to the underlying pathogenesis of these observations is needed.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: The PregMet study: NCT00159536. The Pilot study: NCT03259919.

Awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome among obstetrician-gynecologists and endocrinologists in Northern Europe

OBJECTIVE

To date, little is known about differences in the knowledge, diagnosis making and treatment strategies of health care providers regarding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across different disciplines in countries with similar health care systems. To inform guideline translation, we aimed to study physician reported awareness, diagnosis and management of PCOS and to explore differences between medical disciplines in the Nordic countries and Estonia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 endocrinologists and obstetrician-gynaecologists in the Nordic countries and Estonia in 2015-2016. Of the participating physicians, 43% resided in Finland, 18% in Denmark, 16% in Norway, 13% in Estonia, and 10% in Sweden or Iceland, and 75% were obstetrician-gynaecologists. Multivariable logistic regression models were run to identify health care provider characteristics for awareness, diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

RESULTS

Clinical features, lifestyle management and comorbidity were commonly recognized in women with PCOS, while impairment in psychosocial wellbeing was not well acknowledged. Over two-thirds of the physicians used the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS. Medical endocrinologists more often recommended lifestyle management (OR = 3.6, CI 1.6-8.1) or metformin (OR = 5.0, CI 2.5-10.2), but less frequently OCP (OR = 0.5, CI 0.2-0.9) for non-fertility concerns than general obstetrician-gynaecologists. The physicians aged <35 years were 2.2 times (95% CI 1.1-4.3) more likely than older physicians to recommend lifestyle management for patients with PCOS for fertility concerns. Physicians aged 46-55 years were less likely to recommend oral contraceptive pills (OCP) for patients with PCOS than physicians aged >56 (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8).

CONCLUSION

Despite well-organized healthcare, awareness, diagnosis and management of PCOS is suboptimal, especially in relation to psychosocial comorbidities, among physicians in the Nordic countries and Estonia. Physicians need more education on PCOS and evidence-based information on Rotterdam diagnostic criteria, psychosocial features and treatment of PCOS, with the recently published international PCOS guideline well needed and welcomed.

A Review of First Line Infertility Treatments and Supporting Evidence in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

A Review of Second- and Third-line Infertility Treatments and Supporting Evidence in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

In clomiphene-citrate-resistant anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and no other infertility factors, either metformin combined with clomiphene citrate or gonadotrophins could be used as a second-line pharmacological therapy, although gonadotrophins are more effective. Gonadotrophins could also be used as a second-line pharmacological therapy in anovulatory women with PCOS and clomiphene-citrate-failure. Laparoscopic ovarian surgery can also be used as a second-line therapy for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with clomiphene-citrate-resistant PCOS and no other infertility factors. The usefulness of letrozole as a second-line pharmacological treatment for ovulation induction in clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with PCOS requires further research. In terms of improving fertility, both pharmacological anti-obesity agents and bariatric surgery should be considered an experimental therapy in anovulatory women with PCOS and no other infertility factors. Where first- or second-line ovulation induction therapies have failed, in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) could be offered as a third-line therapy in women with PCOS in the absence of an absolute indication for IVF/ICSI. For women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol is preferred and an elective frozen embryo transfer strategy could be considered. In assisted conception units with sufficient expertise, in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes could be offered to women with PCOS.

Prolactin and breast increase during pregnancy in PCOS: linked to long-term metabolic health?

Objective To explore whether gestational prolactin and breast increase are markers of metabolic health in pregnancy and on long-term, in PCOS. Design Follow-up study. Women with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria (n = 239), former participants of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) PregMet were invited, 131 participated in the current follow-up study, at mean 8 years after pregnancy. Methods Metformin 2000 mg/day or placebo from first trimester to delivery in the original RCT. No intervention in the current study. Prolactin was analyzed in the first trimester and at gestational week 32 and metabolic characteristics which are part of the metabolic syndrome and measures of glucose homeostasis were examined. Metabolic health was also evaluated according to breast increase versus lack of breast increase during pregnancy. Results Prolactin increase in pregnancy was negatively correlated to BMI (P = 0.007) and systolic blood pressure (P ≤ 0.001) in gestational week 32. Prolactin at gestational week 32 was negatively correlated to BMI (P = 0.044) and visceral fat area (P = 0.028) at 8-year follow-up in an unadjusted model. Prolactin at gestational week 32 showed no associations to metabolic health at follow-up when baseline BMI was adjusted for. Women who reported lack of breast increase during pregnancy, had higher BMI (P = 0.034), waist-hip ratio (P = 0.004), visceral fat area (P = 0.050), total cholesterol (P = 0.022), systolic (P = 0.027) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.011) at 8-year follow-up. Conclusion High prolactin levels and breast increase in pregnancy were associated with a more favorable long-term metabolic health in women with PCOS. Both prolactin and breast increase may be mediated by gestational BMI.

Children born to women with polycystic ovary syndrome-short- and long-term impacts on health and development

Maternal PCOS status may negatively influence offspring infant and childhood growth, cardiometabolic health, reproductive health, and neurodevelopment. Current findings across studies are divergent, often because of small numbers of subjects, as well as heterogeneous selection criteria, ethnicities, and definitions of control groups. Coexisting maternal obesity, pregnancy complications, and comorbidity make it difficult to identify the contribution of maternal PCOS. Large, prospective, international, multiethnic studies with standardized investigation protocols and questionnaires on PCOS offspring health and development are needed.

Serum cytokine patterns in first half of pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Human pregnancy is a state of elevated maternal systemic inflammation, and pregnancy complications are often associated with a dysfunctional immune response. The network of cytokines reflects this complex immune activity, and broad serum cytokine profiling provides a new tool to understand the changes in immune status during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine how maternal serum cytokine patterns change during the first half of pregnancy.

METHODS

Maternal peripheral serum samples collected at a mean gestation of 10, 13, 18 and 24 weeks were included from a prospective clinical study of healthy women (n = 110) in first half of normal pregnancy. The serum samples were analysed for 27 different cytokines using multiplex magnetic bead-based immunoassays, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) was analysed by ELISA. Serum cytokine and CRP patterns were explored with linear mixed effects models (LMM) and multilevel partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA).

RESULTS

Serum cytokine profiling provided partial overview of the maternal immune status and corresponding reference values for serum cytokine levels during the first half of pregnancy. Several cytokines decreased in concentration from first to second trimester. Cytokine pattern analysis revealed that chemokines provided the most sensitive measurement of variation with gestational age in normal pregnancies. The nine inflammatory cytokines showed the highest intra-group correlation during pregnancy, while CRP levels did not correlate with changes in the inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Chemokines showed the greatest gestational variation and inflammatory cytokines showed a strong intra-group correlation during the first half of pregnancy.

Use of metformin to treat pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PregMet2): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Epi-analysis of two previous randomised controlled trials that compared metformin with placebo during pregnancy in women with PCOS showed a significant reduction in late miscarriages and preterm births in the metformin group. The aim of this third randomised trial (PregMet2) was to test the hypothesis that metformin prevents late miscarriage and preterm birth in women with PCOS.

METHODS

PregMet2 was a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial done at 14 hospitals in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Singleton pregnant women with PCOS aged 18-45 years were eligible for inclusion. After receiving information about the study at their first antenatal visit or from the internet, women signed up individually to participate in the study. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive metformin or placebo by computer-generated random numbers. Randomisation was in blocks of ten for each country and centre; the first block had a random size between one and ten to assure masking. Participants were assigned to receive oral metformin 500 mg twice daily or placebo during the first week of treatment, which increased to 1000 mg twice daily or placebo from week 2 until delivery. Placebo tablets and metformin tablets were identical and participants and study personnel were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the composite incidence of late miscarriage (between week 13 and week 22 and 6 days) and preterm birth (between week 23 and week 36 and 6 days), analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and admission of the neonate to the neonatal intensive care unit. We also did a post-hoc individual participant data analysis of pregnancy outcomes, pooling data from the two previous trials with the present study. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01587378, and EudraCT, number 2011-002203-15.

FINDINGS

The study took place between Oct 19, 2012, and Sept 1, 2017. We randomly assigned 487 women to metformin (n=244) or placebo (n=243). In the intention-to-treat analysis, our composite primary outcome of late miscarriage and preterm birth occurred in 12 (5%) of 238 women in the metformin group and 23 (10%) of 240 women in the placebo group (odds ratio [OR] 0·50, 95% CI 0·22-1·08; p=0·08). We found no significant differences for our secondary endpoints, including incidence of gestational diabetes (60 [25%] of 238 women in the metformin group vs 57 [24%] of 240 women in the placebo group; OR 1·09, 95% CI 0·69-1·66; p=0·75). We noted no substantial between-group differences in serious adverse events in either mothers or offspring, and no serious adverse events were considered drug-related by principal investigators. In the post-hoc pooled analysis of individual participant data from the present trial and two previous trials, 18 (5%) of 397 women had late miscarriage or preterm delivery in the metformin group compared with 40 (10%) of 399 women in the placebo group (OR 0·43, 95% CI 0·23-0·79; p=0·004).

INTERPRETATION

In pregnant women with PCOS, metformin treatment from the late first trimester until delivery might reduce the risk of late miscarriage and preterm birth, but does not prevent gestational diabetes.

FUNDING

Research Council of Norway, Novo Nordisk Foundation, St Olav's University Hospital, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Approved claims for compensation from gynecological patients in Norway-What characterizes the cases? A 14-year nationwide study

INTRODUCTION

The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE) evaluates all patient-reported claims in Norway. Our aim was to study the cases from gynecological patients approved by NPE in order to identify the main reasons for the injuries, the consequences of the treatment failure for the women, and the time course when the treatment failure occurred.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive study of approved gynecological compensation claims during a 14-year period, based on patient files from NPE.

RESULTS

In all, 1454 women claimed compensation for injury related to gynecological treatment in Norway from 2000 to 2013. Compensation was approved for 438 (30.1%) women. Eleven women declined participation in the study and 16 cases were excluded, leaving 411 cases for further analyses. Consent to participate was given by 211 (51.3%) women, who gave full access to all their NPE files. Anonymized resumes and expert statements were used for the 138 (33.6%) women who did not respond and the 62 (15.1%) women who were deceased. Guidelines or good clinical practice were not followed in 40.5% of the cases. The most common reasons for injury were surgical complications (67.6%), delayed (22.4%) and incorrect (17.0%) diagnoses, and failure of communication (11.7%). The main consequences of injuries were need for extensive treatment (64.2%), permanent injury (55.2%) and impaired physical ability (41.9%). Worsening of cancer prognosis occurred in 58 women (14.1%) and death due to treatment failure in 29 (7.1%) women. Most failures occurred during the treatment period (75.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the main reason for injuries in gynecological patients was non-adherence to guidelines or good clinical practice. Surgery-related injuries were most common. Increased focus on adherence to guidelines and surgical skills might improve patient safety for gynecological patients in Norway.

Intrauterine metformin exposure and offspring cardiometabolic risk factors (PedMet study): a 5-10 year follow-up of the PregMet randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Metformin is increasingly used to treat gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, and in attempts to improve pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. It passes across the placenta with possible long-term consequences for the offspring. We previously explored the effect of metformin, given to women with polycystic ovary syndrome during pregnancy, on children's growth up to 4 years of age. In this 5-10 year follow-up, we examined the cardiometabolic risk factors in these children.

METHODS

This is a follow-up of children from the PregMet study, a double-blind, randomised controlled trial comparing metformin with placebo in polycystic ovary syndrome pregnancies. In the PregMet study, between Feb 4, 2005, and Jan 27, 2009, 257 pregnant women aged 18-45 years with polycystic ovary syndrome according to the Rotterdam criteria were included with 274 singleton pregnancies at 5-12 weeks of gestation at 11 study centres in Norway. 17 women participated twice. Pregnant women were randomised to metformin (2000 mg/day) or placebo from inclusion in the first trimester to birth. Randomisation was stratified according to metformin use at conception. In this follow-up, the primary endpoint was body-mass index (BMI) in the offspring at 5-10 years of age assessed by the standard deviation score (Z score). The primary endpoint was analysed with independent sample t tests. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00159536.

FINDINGS

Of the 255 invited children from the PregMet study, 141 (55%) consented to participate and were included between April 29, 2014, and July 12, 2016. Maternal baseline characteristics in the first trimester were similar between groups. Children in the metformin group had a higher BMI Z score than those in the placebo group (difference in means=0·41, 95% CI 0·03-0·78, p=0·03).

INTERPRETATION

The increased BMI in metformin-exposed children might indicate a potential risk of inferior cardiometabolic health. Implications for adult health cannot be excluded.

FUNDING

The Research Council of Norway, Novo Nordisk Foundation, St Olavs University Hospital, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Evidence summaries and recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: assessment and treatment of infertility

STUDY QUESTION

What is the recommended assessment and management of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertize and consumer preference?

SUMMARY ANSWER

International evidence-based guidelines, including 44 recommendations and practice points, addressed prioritized questions to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes of infertile women with PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous guidelines on PCOS lacked rigorous evidence-based processes, failed to engage consumer and multidisciplinary perspectives or were outdated. The assessment and management of infertile women with PCOS are inconsistent. The needs of women with PCOS are not being adequately met and evidence practice gaps persist.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Governance included a six continent international advisory and a project board, a multidisciplinary international guideline development group (GDG), consumer and translation committees. Extensive health professional and consumer engagement informed the guideline scope and priorities. The engaged international society-nominated panel included endocrinology, gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology, obstetrics, public health and other experts, alongside consumers, project management, evidence synthesis and translation experts. Thirty-seven societies and organizations covering 71 countries engaged in the process. Extensive online communication and two face-to-face meetings over 15 months addressed 19 prioritized clinical questions involving nine evidence-based reviews and 10 narrative reviews. Evidence-based recommendations (EBRs) were formulated prior to consensus voting within the guideline panel.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

International evidence-based guideline development engaged professional societies and consumer organizations with multidisciplinary experts and women with PCOS directly involved at all stages. A (AGREE) II-compliant processes were followed, with extensive evidence synthesis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was applied across evidence quality, desirable and undesirable consequences, feasibility, acceptability, cost, implementation and ultimately recommendation strength. The guideline was peer-reviewed by special interest groups across our partner and collaborating societies and consumer organizations, was independently assessed against AGREE II criteria and underwent methodological review. This guideline was approved by all members of the GDG and has been approved by the NHMRC.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The quality of evidence (QOE) for the EBRs in the assessment and management of infertility in PCOS included very low (n = 1), low (n = 9) and moderate (n = 4) quality with no EBRs based on high-quality evidence. The guideline provides 14 EBRs, 10 clinical consensus recommendations (CCRs) and 20 clinical practice points on the assessment and management of infertility in PCOS. Key changes in this guideline include emphasizing evidence-based fertility therapy, including cheaper and safer fertility management.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Overall evidence is generally of low to moderate quality, requiring significantly greater research in this neglected, yet common condition. Regional health systems vary and a process for adaptation of this guideline is provided.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The international guideline for the assessment and management of infertility in PCOS provides clinicians with clear advice on best practice based on the best available evidence, expert multidisciplinary input and consumer preferences. Research recommendations have been generated and a comprehensive multifaceted dissemination and translation program supports the guideline with an integrated evaluation program.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The guideline was primarily funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) supported by a partnership with ESHRE and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). GDG members did not receive payment. Travel expenses were covered by the sponsoring organizations. Disclosures of conflicts of interest were declared at the outset and updated throughout the guideline process, aligned with NHMRC guideline processes. Dr Costello has declared shares in Virtus Health and past sponsorship from Merck Serono for conference presentations. Prof. Norman has declared a minor shareholder interest in the IVF unit Fertility SA, travel support from Merck and grants from Ferring. Prof. Norman also has scientific advisory board duties for Ferring. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

This article was not externally peer-reviewed by Human Reproduction Open.

Breastfeeding and long-term maternal metabolic health in the HUNT Study: a longitudinal population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Breastfeeding (BF) has been reported to improve long-term maternal metabolic health in observational studies, but not in the randomised controlled PROBIT study. Research also suggests that maternal pre-pregnant metabolic health may affect BF. We aimed to disentangle effects of BF on long-term maternal metabolic health from effects of pre-pregnant metabolic health on BF duration and long-term metabolic health.

DESIGN

Longitudinal population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Nord-Trøndelag county, Norway.

POPULATION

Women with a first live-born baby (1987-2008) participating in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT).

METHODS

Odds ratios (ORs) for short BF duration (<3 months) by pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WCF), blood pressures (BPs), and heart rate (HR) were adjusted for age and smoking using logistic regression. Mixed linear models were used to estimate effects of BF duration (<3, 3-6, >6 months) on mean values of metabolic health parameters from baseline to follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean change in BMI, WCF, BPs, HR, serum-glucose, and serum-lipids from baseline to follow-up by BF duration categories.

RESULTS

We analysed 1403 women with a median follow-up of 12 years (interquartile range 11-22). Pre-pregnant WCF and HR correlated inversely with BF duration. Pre-pregnant BMI had a u-shaped correlation-pattern with BF duration. We observed similar between-group differences in metabolic health parameters at baseline and at follow-up, which implies that mean change in metabolic health parameters was similar across BF groups. Those women who started out with the best health had the longest BF duration and ended up with the best health, and those women who started out with the poorest health had shortest BF duration and ended up with the poorest health.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not support a causal relationship between long BF duration and improved metabolic health. It is more likely that pre-pregnant metabolic health affects both BF duration and long-term metabolic health. Reverse causality can explain previously observed improved long-term metabolic health after BF.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Breastfeeding seems not to affect long-term maternal metabolic health, but good pre-pregnant metabolic health does.

Prenatal exposures and birth indices, and subsequent risk of polycystic ovary syndrome: a national registry-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To study the associations between prenatal exposures and risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

National registry-based cohort study.

SETTING

Sweden.

POPULATION

Girls born in Sweden during the years 1982-1995 (n = 681 123).

METHODS

The girls were followed until the year 2010 for a diagnosis of PCOS. We estimated the associations between maternal body mass index (BMI), smoking, and size at birth with the risk of developing a PCOS diagnosis. Risks were calculated by adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A diagnosis of PCOS at 15 years of age or later.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period 3738 girls were diagnosed with PCOS (0.54%). Girls with mothers who were overweight or obese had 1.5-2.0 times higher risk of PCOS (aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.36-1.70; aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.61-2.41, respectively), compared with girls born to mothers of normal weight. The risk of PCOS was increased if the mother smoked during pregnancy (1-9 cigarettes/day, aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.18-1.47; ≥10 cigarettes/day, aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27-1.64). Being born small for gestational age (SGA) was associated with a later diagnosis of PCOS in crude estimates, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal smoking and increased BMI appear to increase the risk of PCOS in offspring. The association between SGA and the development of PCOS appears to be mediated by maternal factors.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Smoking during pregnancy and high maternal BMI are associated with PCOS diagnosis in the offspring.