OBJECTIVE
To report the baseline characteristics and racial differences in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotype from a large multicenter clinical trial (PPCOS).
METHODS
Double-blind, randomized trial of three treatment regimens (with extended release metformin or clomiphene citrate).
METHODS
Academic medical centers.
METHODS
Six hundred twenty-six infertile women with PCOS, aged 18-39 years, with elevated T levels and oligomenorrhea (exclusion of secondary causes), seeking pregnancy, with>> or = 1 patent fallopian tube, normal uterine cavity, and a partner with sperm concentration>> or = 20 x 10(6)/mL in>> or = 1 ejaculate.
METHODS
Baseline characterization.
METHODS
Historical, biometric, and biochemical measures of PCOS.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in baseline variables between treatment groups. The overall mean (+/-SD) age of the subjects was 28.1 +/- 4.0 years, and the mean body mass index was 35.2 kg/m2 (+/-8.7). Polycystic ovaries (PCOs) were present in 90.3% of the subjects, and the mean volume of each ovary was 10 cm3 or more. Of the subjects, 7% had ovaries that were discordant for PCO morphology. At baseline, 18.3% of the subjects had an abnormal fasting glucose level >> 100 mg/dL). Asians tended to have a milder phenotype, and whites and African Americans were similar in these measures.
CONCLUSIONS
The treatment groups were well matched for baseline parameters, and we have added further information to the PCOS phenotype.