Background: This study was performed with the aim of evaluating the effect of metformin in reducing miscarriage when continued until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility.
Subjects and method: From January 2004 to December 2005, a total of 75 pregnant women with PCOS were studied in three different groups. In Group A, metformin administration (500 mg three times daily (TDS)) was stopped immediately after diagnosis of pregnancy (5-6 weeks gestation), in Group B, metformin was administered until the end of 8 weeks gestation and in Group C until the end of 12 weeks gestation. The results of this study were then assessed using chi-square McNemar's, ANOVA Kruskal Wallis and logistic regression tests.
Results: There was a significant statistical difference between previous and current miscarriage in the current pregnancy with a decline in Group B from 40% to 8% and in group C from 32% to 4%. In spite of the reduced rate of miscarriage seen in Group A, from 20% to 4%, this difference was not statistically significant. Fetal anomalies were absent in all three groups.
Conclusion: According to the current findings, it seems that continuing metformin during the first trimester of pregnancy has beneficial effects in patients with PCOS.