Effect of preconceptional metformin on abortion risk in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Fertil Steril. 2009 Nov;92(5):1646-58. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.087. Epub 2008 Oct 19.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pregestational metformin administration on abortion risk in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Italy.

Patient(s): Women affected by PCOS receiving pregestational metformin.

Intervention(s): Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 2008 and subsequent meta-analysis.

Main outcome measure(s): Abortion rate.

Result(s): Seventeen RCTs were included in the final analysis. Overall, no effect of the metformin administration was detected on the abortion risk. No statistically significant effect of metformin on the abortion risk was observed in any comparison when subgrouping the RCTs according to received treatment.

Conclusion(s): Metformin has no effect on the abortion risk in PCOS patients when administered before pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Metformin / administration & dosage
  • Metformin / adverse effects*
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Ovulation Induction / methods
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Preconception Injuries
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / epidemiology
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / etiology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin