A Meta-Analysis of PCOS-Related Reproductive Abnormalities in Women Taking Valproate for Epilepsy
Abstract Although a series of studies have been undertaken to clarify the effects of valproate (VPA) on reproductive endocrinology in female, no consistent conclusion has been reached. We aimed at quantifying the association between valproate (VPA) and reproductive endocrine abnormalities in women with epilepsy. We searched scientific literatures in English language published on electronic databases of PubMed, SinoMed and EMBASE before April 2020. These studies included were prospective and controlled. We then performed meta-analysis for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its main characteristics in women with epilepsy treated with VPA. Results showed that there were statistically differences between the VPA treated and other AEDs group with epilepsy in PCOS (p<0.001, OR 4.08, 95% CI 2.77-6.01), PCO (p<0.001, OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.90-3.51), hyperandrogenism (p<0.001, OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.66-3.23) and menstrual disorder (p<0.001, OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.32-2.22). In conclusion, VPA chronic medication lead to higher risk of developing PCOS, PCO, hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorder in women with epilepsy.