Comparison of letrazole and clomiphene citrate in women with polycystic ovaries undergoing ovarian stimulation

Objective: To compare the efficacy of letrazole in the induction of ovulation with clomiphene citrate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and primary infertility. Methods: The prospective clinical trial was conducted at Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, between January 2012 and April 2013, and comprised women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary infertility who were randomised into 2 groups. Group A received 100-200mg clomiphene citrate daily while group 2 received letrazole (2.5-5mg) daily. Both groups were followed by ultrasound until the dominant follicle reached a diameter > 18mm, human chorionic gonadotropin10.000 U/L was given and timed intercourse was advised. Results: Of the 75 subjects in the study, 40(53.3%) were in group A and 35(46.6%) in group B. The mean age in group A was 25.3+2.1 years versus 26.1+1.3 years in group B (p=0.05). The number of mature follicles was significantly lower, but the endometrial thickness and ovulation were significantly higher in group B than in group A (p<0.05 each). There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Letrazole may have a role as the first-line treatment for unovulatory patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.