Acarbose in obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
The present study assessed the effects of low-dose acarbose on obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 30 obese hyperinsulinaemic women with PCOS treated with 150 mg/day acarbose or placebo for 6 months. The women were evaluated for hirsutism, menstrual regularity, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, testosterone and androstenedione, and side-effects.


RESULTS
The patients in the acarbose group showed a reduction in BMI (35.87 +/- 2.60 versus 33.10 +/- 2.94 kg/m(2)) and in the Ferriman-Gallwey index (8.85 +/- 2.31 versus 8 +/- 1.82), and an increased chance of menstrual regularity (rate = 2.67). SHBG concentration increased (21.01 +/- 7.9 versus 23.85 +/- 7.77 nmol/l) and the free androgen index was reduced (14.81 +/- 9.06 versus 11.48 +/- 6.18). None of these parameters were modified in the placebo group. Mild side-effects occurred in 84% of the patients in the acarbose group and disappeared after the first 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
A low dose of acarbose administered to obese patients with PCOS promotes a reduction in free androgen index and BMI and an increase in SHBG, with improvement of hirsutism and of the menstrual pattern, and is well tolerated by patients.
Penna
I A A
IA
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Canella
P R B
PR
Reis
R M
RM
Silva de Sá
M F
MF
Ferriani
R A
RA
D020909:Acarbose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010919:Placebos; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010919:Placebos; D020909:Acarbose