Cumulative baby take-home rate among women with PCOS treated by IVF

This study was designed to evaluate cumulative live birth rates after an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women.

IVF outcomes of 66 women with PCOS diagnosed via Rotterdam criteria, who failed to conceive after ovulation induction, were compared with 106 women with tubal factor infertility. One hundred and twenty-five cycles were analysed in the PCOS group and 225 cycles in the control group (1-4 cycles per woman). Results of frozen-thawed cycles, occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and drop-outs were also included.

Despite a lower pregnancy rate among women with PCOS versus controls, the cumulative baby take-home rate did not differ between the groups (48.5% and 44.3%). The first cycle was the most successful cycle for living birth rate in PCOS group. One-third of PCOS women, who did not continue after unsuccessful treatment, had more miscarriage but not more OHSS compared to those who continued.

Although the baby take-home rate was similar among women with PCOS, and controls, the outcomes of consecutive cycles were not equal. Cumulative data give more realistic information than pooled cycles.