Efficacy of N acetylcysteine vs metformin on biochemical and clinical parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

: Ovarian dysfunction syndrome, or PCOS, is characterised by hyperandrogenism, enlarged cystic ovaries, and persistent anovulation in women of reproductive age. These coexist with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity. To enhance menstruation pattern, insulin sensitivity, and treat dyslipidemia, a metformin replacement that has few side effects is required.: To study the effects of N acetyl cysteine in women with PCOS in and compare with commonly used Metformin. : To evaluate if N acetyl cysteine can substitute Metformin in treatment of women with PCOS in clinical parameters like BMI, menstrual pattern and biochemical parameters like FBS and lipid profile.: A prospective randomized control study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in Shri Sathya Sai medical college. 60 women (diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria) of age group 18 to 45 were included in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group M received Metformin 500mg TDS and group N received N acetylcysteine 600mg TDS. Clinical and biochemical parameters contributing to metabolic syndrome such as menstrual pattern, BMI, Fasting blood sugars and lipid profile were noted before and after completion of the study along with side effects of the drugs.: 30 women in metformin group and 30 in NAC group completed study. A statistically significant decrease in BMI, Waist hip ratio was noted in both metformin and NAC groups. The mean difference post treatment was (3.63 vs 4.16) in BMI and (0.014 vs 0.017) in waist hip ratio. Both treatments led to significant improvement in menstrual pattern, FBS and lipid profile. Group N showed statistically better results compared group M. : Metformin and N acetyl cysteine were efficient in improving BMI, menstrual pattern and the metabolic parameters. However, decrease in BMI, WHR, FBS, lipid profile and menstrual pattern were statistically more significant in NAC compared to metformin.