Authors: Palomba, Stefano¹; Falbo, Angela¹; Orio, Francesco²; Manguso, Francesco³; Russo, Tiziana¹; Tolino, Achille⁴; Annamaria, Colao²; Dale, Brian⁵; Zullo, Fulvio¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Number 10, October 2005 , pp. 2879-2886(8)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are few data in the literature regarding the utility of metfomin before and during gonadotrophin administration in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the pre-treatment and co-administration of metformin in infertile PCOS women treated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) followed by timed intercourse (TI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). METHODS: Seventy insulin-resistant primary infertile women with PCOS were randomized to receive metformin cloridrate (850 mg twice daily; group A) or placebo tablets (two tablets daily; group B) for 3 months. Three trials of COS using highly purified urinary FSH (hpFSH) plus TI/IUI were performed. Number of ampoules of gonadotrophin used, duration of the ovarian stimulation, cycle cancellation, ovulation, pregnancy, abortion, live birth, mono-ovulatory cycles, multiple pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rates were assessed. RESULTS: No difference between groups was detected in ovulation, cycle cancellation, pregnancy, abortion, live birth, multiple pregnancies and OHSS rates. The mono-ovulatory cycle rates were significantly (P = 0.002) more frequent in group A than in group B, whereas the days of stimulation for non-cancelled cycles and the number of vials of gonadotrophins used were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION: In insulin-resistant women with PCOS, metformin pre-treatment and co-administration with hpFSH increases the mono-ovulatory cycles.

Keywords: anovulation; gonadotrophins; infertility; metformin; PCOS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dei130

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro, 2: Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, 3: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and 4: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University ‘Federico II’ of Naples, 5: Department of Reproductive Biology, ‘Villa del Sole’ Clinic, Naples, Italy

Publication date: 2005-10-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Palomba, Stefano ;  Falbo, Angela ;  Orio, Francesco ;  Manguso, Francesco ;  Russo, Tiziana ;  Tolino, Achille ;  Annamaria, Colao ;  Dale, Brian ;  Zullo, Fulvio

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