Bridging Evidence and Practice – Assessing the Usefulness of Randomized Controlled Trials in PCOS Related Infertility Published 2014–2024: A Systematic Review

Bridging Evidence and Practice – Assessing the Usefulness of Randomized Controlled Trials in PCOS Related Infertility Published 2014–2024: A Systematic Review | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 26 June 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Bridging Evidence and Practice – Assessing the Usefulness of Randomized Controlled Trials in PCOS Related Infertility Published 2014–2024: A Systematic Review Authors : Grayson McBee 0009-0007-5913-1311 [email protected] , Ty Lutze , Taylor Gardner , Chance Bratten 0009-0008-1548-9263 , Adam Khan , Eli Paul , Alec Young , Holly Flores , Alicia Ito Ford , and Matt Vassar Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175091776.68106123/v1 213 views 219 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Although numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated treatment options, their clinical applicability remains unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of RCTs for PCOS-related infertility using the 13-item framework developed by van ’t Hooft et al. Search Strategy: MEDLINE and Embase were searched on April 1, 2025. Selection criteria: We conducted a systematic review of RCTs published between 2014 and 2024 evaluating interventions for PCOS-related infertility. Data collection and analysis: Studies were screened and assessed independently and in duplicate using the 13-item usefulness framework. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models analyzed trial characteristics and predictors of usefulness. Risk of bias was not assessed due to the unavailability of the planned tool (RobotReviewer). Main Results: Of 782 records screened, 147 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Most trials were conducted in Asia (72.8%), particularly in Iran. Only 36.1% reported adequate information gain, 21.8% cited prior systematic reviews, and 3.4% met full criteria for pragmatism. No studies included cost-effectiveness analyses. Common limitations included narrow eligibility criteria, limited population diversity, reliance on surrogate outcomes, and lack of patient-centered measures. Transparency and usefulness scores showed a modest upward trend over time (r = 0.33, p < .001). Conclusions: RCTs for PCOS-related infertility often lack features that enhance clinical usefulness. Future trials should prioritize transparency, broader eligibility, patient-centered outcomes, and alignment with prior evidence. Funding: None. Supplementary Material File (bjog manuscript (submitted).docx) Download 32.56 KB File (table 1 (1).docx) Download 8.55 KB File (table 2 (1).docx) Download 17.50 KB File (table 3 (1).docx) Download 13.94 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 26 June 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords fertility and assisted reproduction infertility: diagnosis of ovulation randomised controlled trials reproductive science: polycystic ovary syndrome systematic reviews Authors Affiliations Grayson McBee 0009-0007-5913-1311 [email protected] Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Ty Lutze Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Taylor Gardner Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Chance Bratten 0009-0008-1548-9263 Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Adam Khan Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Eli Paul Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Alec Young Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Holly Flores Texas Health Sciences Library Consortium View all articles by this author Alicia Ito Ford Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Matt Vassar Oklahoma State University Medical Library View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 213 views 219 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Grayson McBee, Ty Lutze, Taylor Gardner, et al. Bridging Evidence and Practice – Assessing the Usefulness of Randomized Controlled Trials in PCOS Related Infertility Published 2014–2024: A Systematic Review. Authorea . 26 June 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175091776.68106123/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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