Effect of chlormadinone acetate versus drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives on the endocrinal features of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrinal disorder in women of reproductive age. Hormonal treatment with oral contraceptives, containing estrogen (ethinyl-estradiol, EE) with progestogen (drospirenone, DRSP) or (chlormadinone acetate, CMA), has improved symptoms and biomarkers of PCOS.

Objective: The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare the effects of EE/DRSP versus EE/CMA on the endocrinal features of women with PCOS.

Data sources: Several electronic databases were searched for combinations of the following relevant MeSH terms were used: (ethinyl-estradiol OR EE) AND (drospirenone OR DRSP) AND (chlormadinone acetate OR CMA) AND (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Methods: Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted to an online data extraction form. Outcomes of Ferryman-Gallwey score (FGS), body mass index, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), free androgen index, sex hormone-binding globulin, delta-4-androstenedione (A) and total testosterone levels (T) were pooled as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a fixed effect meta-analysis model.

Results: Three RCTs (EE/DRSP: n = 98 and EE/CMA: n = 87) were pooled in the analysis. The overall effect favoured EE/DRSP over EE/CMA in reducing (A) levels after three months (WMD -0.63; 95% CI [-0.94, -0.32], P < 0.001), FGS after six months (WMD -0.44; 95% CI [-0.99, -0.19], P = 0.0006), and total (T) after three months (WMD -0.12; 95% CI [-0.23, -0.01], P = 0.03).

Conclusions: EE/DRSP showed a more potent effect than EE/CMA in the reduction of FGS after six months, (A) levels and (T) levels after three months in patients with PCOS.

Keywords: Chlormadinone acetate; Drospirenone; Oral contraceptives; Polycystic ovary syndrome.