Metformin reduces pregnancy complications without affecting androgen levels in pregnant polycystic ovary syndrome women: results of a randomized study.
BACKGROUND
Investigation of a possible effect of metformin on androgen levels in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Forty pregnant women with PCOS received diet and lifestyle counselling and were randomized to either metformin 850 mg twice daily or placebo. Primary outcome measures were changes in serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and free testosterone index. Secondary outcome measures were pregnancy complications and outcome. Two-tailed t-tests and chi2-tests were used.


RESULTS
Maternal androgen levels were unaffected by metformin treatment in pregnant women with PCOS. While none of the 18 women in the metformin group experienced a severe pregnancy or post-partum complication, seven of the 22 (32%) women experienced severe complications in the placebo group (P = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin treatment did not reduce maternal androgen levels in pregnant women with PCOS. In the metformin-treated group we observed a reduction of severe, pregnancy and post-partum complications. Metformin treatment of pregnant PCOS women may reduce complications during pregnancy and in the post-partum period.
Vanky
E
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Olavs Hospital, University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway. eszter.vanky@medisin.ntnu.no
Salvesen
K A
KA
Heimstad
R
R
Fougner
K J
KJ
Romundstad
P
P
Carlsen
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D001724:Birth Weight; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000728:Androgens; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin