Effect of chronic administration of cabergoline on uterine perfusion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm whether patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a reduction in uterine perfusion and to verify whether chronic administration of cabergoline can decrease this high vascular resistance.


METHODS
Prospective randomized trial.


METHODS
Endocrinological Centre of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.


METHODS
Thirty patients were enrolled in the study: 20 affected by PCOS and 10 healthy controls. Patients with PCOS were randomly assigned to one of two treatments for 3 months: oral administration of cabergoline (0.5 mg) every week or oral administration of placebo every week.


METHODS
All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasonography associated with Doppler flow measurement of the uterine artery, and serum hormone concentrations were determined during the early follicular phase. In women with PCOS, Doppler flow measurement and hormonal assessment were repeated in the early follicular phase of the third month of treatment.


METHODS
Pulsatility index of the uterine artery before and during treatment.


RESULTS
The mean pulsatility index of the uterine artery in patients with PCOS was significantly higher than that of the control group (3.29+/-0.5 and 2.01+/-0.2, respectively). Patients with PCOS treated with cabergoline showed a significant increase in uterine perfusion, with a pulsatility index of 3.14+/-0.6 before and 2.39+/-0.5 during the treatment. No difference was found in patients with PCOS treated with placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with PCOS have high resistance in the uterine arteries, but chronic administration of cabergoline can increase uterine perfusion.
Ajossa
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Paoletti
A M
AM
Guerriero
S
S
Floris
S
S
Mannias
M
M
Melis
G B
GB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000077465:Cabergoline; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004873:Ergolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects