Comparison of Ovulation Induction with Letrozole Plus Dexamethasone and Letrozole Alone in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovarian Disease: an RCT

Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to obtain a successful pregnancy after 6 months or more with unprotected and regular intercourse. In developing countries, the incidence of infertility is 2%. The causes of infertility could be male factor or female factor, or mixed factor. Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of comparison the ovarian response to letrozole alone and letrozole plus dexamethasone in infertile women with poly cystic ovarian disease (PCOS). Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 120 infertile women with PCOS referred to Ali-Ebne-Abitaleb hospital, Zahedan, Iran from February to August 2017 into two groups: group I received letrozole alone and group II recived letrozole plus dexamethasone. The endometrial thickness, follicle diameter, and ovulation were evaluated and compared by ultrasound on days 12 to 14. Results: The mean thickness of endometrium was not different between two groups. Pregnancy rate was 8% in letrozole group and 23% in Letrozole plus Dexamethasone (p = 0.024). Also, the mean diameter of follicles in two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that dexamethasone may increase pregnancy rate. Key words: Letrozole, Dexamethasone, PCOS, Induction ovulation