Successful pregnancies treated with pioglitazone in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of pioglitazone on fecundity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are resistant to conventional ovulation induction such as clomiphene, dexamethasone, or metformin.

Design

A retrospective pilot study.

Setting

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a general hospital.

Patient(s)

Nine infertile women with PCOS.

Intervention(s)

Pioglitazone, 15–30 mg/day, up to 32 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Pregnancy rate.

Result(s)

Seven of nine women became pregnant at an average of 11.3 weeks of initiation of pioglitazone. Four of seven pregnant cases conceived after the first successful induction of ovulation with the initiation of pioglitazone, and two cases conceived after the second cycle. Three women have already delivered, and there is one ongoing pregnancy. The other three cases ended in miscarriage during the sixth or eighth week of pregnancy.

Conclusion(s)

Pioglitazone may be effective in infertile patients with resistant PCOS.

Key Words: Pioglitazone, infertility, pregnancy, hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome