Effectiveness of Metformin in Preventing Early Pregnancy Loss in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effectiveness of metformin therapy in preventing early pregnancy loss in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS : This is a prospective cohort study conducted in the Obstetric Department of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India for a period of 2 years. This study involved 100 nondiabetic pregnant women with PCOS. They were divided into two groups, namely, the group that received metformin throughout pregnancy (metformin group) and the group that got pregnant but, did not receive metformin (control group). A comparison was made between the two groups of patients with respect to certain basal characteristics (age, body mass index, previous obstetric outcome, serum glucose with free testosterone). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test to compare the differences between the two groups. RESULTS : There were 50 patients who received metformin during pregnancy (metformin group) compared with 50 patients who did not receive the treatment (control group). The rate of early pregnancy loss in the metformin group was 10% (5/50) compared with 36% (18/50) in the control group (p < 0.001). For patients in the metformin group with a history of previous miscarriage, the rate of pregnancy loss was 45% (35 cases/50 pregnancies). CONCLUSION : Metformin therapy in pregnant women with PCOS was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of early pregnancy loss