Metformin versus acarbose therapy in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS): a prospective randomised double-blind study.
Author(s): Hanjalic-Beck A, Gabriel B, Schaefer W, Zahradnik HP, Schories M, Tempfer C, Keck
C, Denschlag D.
Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg,
Germany. aida.hanjalic-beck@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Publication date & source: 2010, Gynecol Endocrinol. , 26(9):690-7
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin versus
acarbose in terms of ovulation rate, their impact on hormonal and metabolic
status and tolerability of both drugs in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS). Seventy-five patients with PCOS were included in this prospective
randomised controlled double-blinded clinical study. According to randomisation,
patients were allocated to receive either metformin 2550 mg/day (n = 37) or
acarbose 300 mg/day (n = 38) for 12 weeks. Primary study outcomes were ovulation
rate, restoration of a regular menstrual cycle and the incidence of side effects.
Secondary outcomes included treatment-related hormonal and metabolic changes.
Comparable high rates of regular menstrual cycles as well as ovulation could be
achieved in both groups (70% and 73% for metformin vs. 78% and 59% for acarbose,
p = 0.330 and p = 0.185, respectively). In contrast, only in patients treated
with metformin a statistically significant decrease in fasting insulin and
cholesterol levels as well as BMI was observed. However, comparing both groups at
the end of treatment, no significant differences in metabolic and/or hormonal
parameters could be detected. Regarding side effects, the rate of flatulence
and/or diarrhoea was significantly lower for acarbose compared to metformin (38%
vs. 80%, p < 0.001).
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