Aim: To compare the frequency of ovulation with clomiphene citrate plus N-acetyl cysteine versus clomiphene citrate alone in married females presenting with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Study design: Randomized clinical trial

Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit-3 Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from 1st September 2018 to 28th February 2019.

Methodology: A total of 60 patients (30 in each group) were enrolled. In group A, females were prescribed clomiphene citrate 50-mg tablets twice daily with N-acetyl cysteine 1200 mg/day orally for 5 days starting on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and in group B, females were prescribed clomiphene citrate 50-mg tablets twice daily.

Results: Patients ranged between 18-35 years of age. Mean age of the patients was 28.5±3.3 and 28.1±3.1 years in group A and B, respectively. Mean duration of marriage in group A was 3.4±0.9 and in group B 3.5±0.9 year. Mean BMI in group-A was 3.4±0.9 while in group-B 3.5±0.9 (kg/m2). Ovulation was observed at 1st month in group A was 12 (40%) and in group B 9 (30%). Ovulation was observed at 2nd month in group A was 16 (53.3%) and in group B 13 (43.3%). In 3rd months ovulation was seen in 19 patients (63.3%) of group A and 18 patients (60%) of group B. Stratification for age and BMI was also carried out.

Conclusion: This study could not find any clinical superiority for clomiphene citrate plus N-acetyl cysteine versus clomiphene citrate alone in term of ovulation rate.

Keywords: N-acetyl cysteine, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Ovulation induction