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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-05-2018 | Review

Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Authors: Shifu Hu, Qiong Yu, Yingying Wang, Mei Wang, Wei Xia, Changhong Zhu

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disturbance affecting women in the reproductive age group. The present study aimed to compare the effects of letrozole (LE) and clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.

Methods

The PUBMED, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were screened systematically for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from database inception to July 2017.

Results

Eleven RCTs involving 2255 patients were included, and data were independently extracted and analyzed using 95% risk ratios (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) based on a random- or fixed-effect model (as appropriate). Meta-analyses of nine RCTs comparing LE and CC ovulation induction, followed by timed intercourse, indicated that the former significantly increased the ovulation rate (RR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.03–1.36, P = 0.01), pregnancy rate (RR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.09–1.64, P = 0.006), and live birth rate (RR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.28–1.88, P < 0.00001). However, LE and CC did not differ significantly in terms of the multiple pregnancy and abortion rates. Furthermore, LE for ovulation induction significantly improved the pregnancy rate after IUI.

Conclusion

LE is superior to CC for ovulation induction in patients with PCOS.

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Title: Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shifu Hu
Qiong Yu
Yingying Wang
Mei Wang
Wei Xia
Changhong Zhu
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4688-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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