Pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a metaanalysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine which maternal and neonatal complications are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in pregnant women.Study DesignThe studies that were included compared pregnancy outcomes between women with PCOS and those without diagnosed PCOS. Our primary outcomes included gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery rates, operative vaginal delivery rates, preterm delivery, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants and large-for-gestational-age infants.ResultsWe found that PCOS in pregnancy was associated with higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, SGA, and large-for-gestational age. Only gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and SGA infants were found to be statistically significant.ConclusionThis metaanalysis confirms the higher association of pregnancy complications and PCOS compared with patients who do not have PCOS. Additionally, there may be a stronger association between PCOS and hypertensive disorders than has been shown previously.