Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search of the National Library of Medicine (Pub Med), MEDLINE and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed, up to December 2009, for RCTs in women with PCOS treated with clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, metformin, combination of drugs, or in vitro fertilization. We used two control groups for comparisons: one RCT in women with unexplained infertility, and one prospective study of women intending to become pregnant. The primary outcome in this systematic review was miscarriage rate. Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance on ranks and Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test were used for statistical comparisons. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in the systematic review of women with PCOS. There were no statistically significant differences in the miscarriage rates between women with PCOS undergoing various treatment protocols for ovulation induction. The miscarriage rates for women with PCOS and the comparison groups are shown below.Table 1Women with PCOS (Various Treatment Protocols)Women with Unexplained InfertilityGeneral Reproductive PopulationPregnancies (N)495186326Miscarriage Rate24.6%19.9%11.3%There was a significant difference in the miscarriage rate between women with PCOS and the general reproductive population (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the miscarriage rate between women with PCOS and women with unexplained infertility (p=NS). Open table in a new tab There was a significant difference in the miscarriage rate between women with PCOS and the general reproductive population (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the miscarriage rate between women with PCOS and women with unexplained infertility (p=NS). CONCLUSION: Based on our systematic review, miscarriage rates in women with PCOS are similar to women with unexplained infertility. However, when compared to fertile women, we did find an increased miscarriage rate in women with PCOS.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
