A meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
CM Boomsma, MJC Eijkemans… - Human reproduction …, 2006 - academic.oup.com
Human reproduction update, 2006•academic.oup.com
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder associated with many
characteristic features, including hyperandrogenaemia, insulin resistance and obesity which
may have significant implications for pregnancy outcomes and long-term health of the
woman. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of pregnancy and neonatal
complications in women with PCOS. Electronic databases were searched for the following
MeSH headings: PCOS, hyperandrogenism, pregnancy outcome, pregnancy complications …
characteristic features, including hyperandrogenaemia, insulin resistance and obesity which
may have significant implications for pregnancy outcomes and long-term health of the
woman. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of pregnancy and neonatal
complications in women with PCOS. Electronic databases were searched for the following
MeSH headings: PCOS, hyperandrogenism, pregnancy outcome, pregnancy complications …
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder associated with many characteristic features, including hyperandrogenaemia, insulin resistance and obesity which may have significant implications for pregnancy outcomes and long-term health of the woman. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of pregnancy and neonatal complications in women with PCOS. Electronic databases were searched for the following MeSH headings: PCOS, hyperandrogenism, pregnancy outcome, pregnancy complications, diabetes mellitus, type II. A handsearch of human reproduction and fertility and sterility was also conducted. Studies in which pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS were compared with controls were considered for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Fifteen of 525 identified studies were included, involving 720 women presenting with PCOS and 4505 controls. Women with PCOS demonstrated a significantly higher risk of developing gestational diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 2.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70–5.08], pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 3.67; 95% CI: 1.98–6.81), pre-eclampsia (OR 3.47; 95% CI: 1.95–6.17) and preterm birth (OR 1.75; 95% CI: 1.16–2.62). Their babies had a significantly higher risk of admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (OR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.25–4.26) and a higher perinatal mortality (OR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.03–9.21), unrelated to multiple births. In conclusion, women with PCOS are at increased risk of pregnancy and neonatal complications. Pre-pregnancy, antenatal and intrapartum care should be aimed at reducing these risks.
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