Retraction Note: Arch Gynecol Obstet (2011) 284:503–507 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-011-1931-9


The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article. The study reported in this article was included as part of the PhD thesis of Hatem Abu Hashim entitled “Ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): An appraisal of different strategies” submitted to Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in 2013. In 2020 [1] serious concerns were raised about the data reported and Hatem Abu Hashim responded [2]. An investigation by VUB was followed by a request for Second Advice from the Flemish Commission for Research Integrity (VCWI). The investigations by VUB and the VCWI concluded that there had been serious violations of scientific integrity including fabrication, and recommended retraction. Hatem Abu Hashim does not agree with this retraction and has provided a copy of their submission to the VUB and VCWI investigations to the Editor-in-Chief. None of the other authors has responded to correspondence from the Publisher about this retraction.