Fertility, pregnancy, and medical management of Turner syndrome in the reproductive years

Markers of Fertility in Adolescents With Chronic Endocrinopathies at Transition From Paediatric to Adult Care

OBJECTIVE

During the process of transition from paediatric to adult health care, counselling concerning fertility is an important issue and is based mainly on serum markers of gonadal function. Here, we analysed these markers in adolescents with various underlying endocrine diseases at the time of transition.

METHODS

After reaching near adult height and late puberty (girls: bone age [BA] ≥14 years, and boys: BA ≥16 years), we assessed stages of puberty according to Tanner and measured testes or ovarian volumes and serum markers of gonadal function (anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH], inhibin B, 17β-estradiol, testosterone).

RESULTS

One hundred and ten patients (56 females and 54 males) were included from May 2010 to March 2016 with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD; n = 17), growth hormone deficiency (GHD; n = 35), Turner syndrome (TS; n = 27), short stature after being born small for gestational age (SGA; n = 20) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS; n = 11). Female and male adolescents exhibited mature secondary sexual characteristics. The levels of serum inhibin B and AMH were lower in TS and female MPHD than in GHD and SGA, each independently (p < 0.05). The levels of serum AMH were higher whereas serum inhibin B were lower in male MPHD and KS (p < 0.05). Ovary volumes were significantly smaller in patients with TS, and testicular volumes were smaller in patients with KS.

CONCLUSIONS

After current established treatments with sex steroids, the development of secondary sexual characteristics was mature. However, impaired markers of fertility have been identified in patients with TS, KS and MPHD, reflecting gonadal dysgenesis in TS and KS, but gonadal immaturity in MPHD as gonadal gonadotropin stimulation is lacking throughout development. Consequently, in patients with MPHD, these markers cannot reliably predict individual fertility, which warrants consideration and incorporation in future treatment concepts.

Oral hormone replacement therapy and uterine volume in Korean adolescents with Turner syndrome: A retrospective case-control study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify critical factors for uterine development by comparing uterine volume (UV) among patients with Turner syndrome (TS) who underwent pubertal induction (PI), patients with TS who had natural menarche (NM), and patients in a non-TS control group.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included patients with TS who had undergone PI with oral estrogen in a PI group(n=31) and a NM group(n=7). The control group included patients without TS with spontaneous puberty who underwent pelvic ultrasound at 16 years of age. For TS patients, both the UV from the first ultrasound performed at age 16 or older (1st-UV) and the UV from the most recent final ultrasound (final-UV) were obtained.

RESULTS

The 1st-UV was larger for patients in the NM group than those in the PI group (p<0.001), but did not differ significantly between the NM and control groups (p=0.375). The final-UV of the PI group was larger than their 1st-UV (p<0.001), but still smaller than the NM group (p=0.021). HRT duration and 1st-UV of PI group were positively correlated (p=0.048). There were no variables that were significantly correlated with final-UV of PI group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with TS who experienced NM showed normal uterine development, but TS patients who underwent PI showed significantly smaller, undeveloped UV. While HRT duration and UV are positively correlated at the beginning of HRT, it is unclear what determines the final UV; however, late PI initiation and use of oral estrogen probably contributed to the lack of UV development.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve in young females with non-iatrogenic ovarian insufficiency to establish criteria for ovarian tissue cryopreservation

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can ovarian reserve parameters predict the outcome of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTCP) in patients ≤18 years with non-iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis carried out in a single tertiary hospital between August 2010 and January 2020. Thirty-seven patients ≤18 years with non-iatrogenic POI (27 with Turner syndrome, six with POI of unknown aetiology, three with galactosemia and one with blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus syndrome) were included. Three parameters were used to evaluate ovarian reserve: anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and transabdominal antral follicle count. Fertility preservation (most commonly OTCP) was offered if ovarian reserve was diminished and one or more parameters was positive. Follicles were counted in ovarian samples obtained at the time of OTCP.

RESULTS

Ovarian reserve was diminished in 34 patients and 19 of them had one or more positive parameter. Fourteen (11 aged ≥12 years and 3 aged <12) underwent OTCP, one (14 years old) underwent ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation and four declined fertility preservation. Follicles were detected in 11 of 14 patients who underwent OTCP with one or more positive parameters (79%), and in all those (100%) who had two or three positive parameters. The median number of follicles was 27 (range 5-64) and 48 (range 21-75) in patients ≥12 years and those <12 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that if OTCP is performed in patients with one or more positive parameters of ovarian activity, a 79% positive predictive value is achieved for the detection of follicles. The incorporation of this criterion for OTCP will minimize the risk of harvesting ovarian tissue with a low number of follicles.

Reproductive health in Turner syndrome: A narrative review

Turner syndrome (TS), a common chromosomal abnormality affecting females, is associated with partial or complete loss of the second sex chromosome. Although the classic karyotype is 45, X, the detection of mosaic TS is increasing. TS is a multi-system disorder with significant endocrine, cardiovascular and reproductive impacts. Accelerated ovarian follicular loss leads to primary amenorrhoea or premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. Early diagnosis and counselling regarding hormone replacement therapy and future reproductive capacity, including fertility preservation, are essential to improve reproductive outcomes. Pubertal induction or estrogen replacement is usually required to optimise long-term health outcomes; however, initiation may be delayed due to delayed diagnosis. Spontaneous pregnancy occurs in a small number of women; however, many require donor oocytes and assisted reproductive technology to achieve a pregnancy. Pregnancy is a high risk especially when associated with congenital heart disease. Prepregnancy counselling by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to identify contraindications and optimise pre-existing health issues is essential. Pregnancy management should be led by a maternal-fetal medicine unit with input from the MDT. This review examines reproductive health outcomes in women with TS and how best to manage them to reduce health risks and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy-What do we tell the prospective parents?

Sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) can be detected on prenatal diagnostic testing and cell free DNA screening (cfDNA). High risk cfDNA results should be confirmed with diagnostic testing. This summary article serves as an update for prenatal providers and assimilates data from neurodevelopmental, epidemiologic, and registry studies on the most common SCA. This information can be helpful for counseling after prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy. Incidence estimates may be influenced by ascertainment bias and this article is not a substitute for interdisciplinary consultation and counseling.

The Changing Face of Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS) is a condition in females missing the second sex chromosome (45,X) or parts thereof. It is considered a rare genetic condition and is associated with a wide range of clinical stigmata, such as short stature, ovarian dysgenesis, delayed puberty and infertility, congenital malformations, endocrine disorders, including a range of autoimmune conditions and type 2 diabetes, and neurocognitive deficits. Morbidity and mortality are clearly increased compared with the general population and the average age at diagnosis is quite delayed. During recent years it has become clear that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary toward the patient with TS. A number of clinical advances has been implemented, and these are reviewed. Our understanding of the genomic architecture of TS is advancing rapidly, and these latest developments are reviewed and discussed. Several candidate genes, genomic pathways and mechanisms, including an altered transcriptome and epigenome, are also presented.

Questions concerning fertility preservation during transition in girls with Turner syndrome: review of the literature

Loss of fertility is one of the most important concerns facing Turner syndrome (TS) patients as they transition into adult health care. Due to the limited and rapidly decreasing ovarian reserve, many TS patients require fertility preservation (FP) techniques to preserve their reproductive potential until they are ready to pursue procreation. One has to also remember about the additional risks connected with pregnancy in TS patients. In order to determine the optimal time for introducing FP techniques and decrease the chance of an unnecessary intervention, markers and procedures assessing ovarian reserve have been developed. The exposure to potential cardiovascular complications should be determined before FP to avoid unnecessary procedures in patients with potential contraindications to pregnancy. The aim of the present review is to answer the following three questions important for successful preservation of fertility and safe pregnancy in TS: which markers of ovarian reserve should be used as selection criteria for FP? Which methods of FP are the safest and most effective? Are there any cardiovascular contraindications to FP? For each of those questions, separate literature searches have been conducted. A total of 86 articles have been included in this review: 34 for the first question, 35 for the second, and 17 for the third. Ovarian reserve markers and cardiovascular contraindications to pregnancy should be established before FP; hoverer, there are no unambiguous indicators as to which patients should be disqualified from the FP and more evidence is needed in this subject.

The Decision-Making Process regarding Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Girls with Turner Syndrome by Patients, Parents, and Healthcare Providers: A Mixed-Methods Study

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) has proven to be effective in other patient groups, but the effectiveness in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) is still unclear. Guidelines for counselling about OTC in TS are lacking. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of patients, parents, and healthcare providers with the decision-making process regarding OTC in girls with TS.

METHODS

Within a year after counselling, a survey was sent to 132 girls with TS and their parents. Furthermore, focus groups were conducted with (1) gynaecologists with subspeciality reproductive medicine, (2) paediatric endocrinologists, (3) parents of girls aged 2-12, and (4) parents of girls aged 13-18. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

The response rate of the survey was 45%. Of the survey respondents, 90% appreciated counselling regarding their future parenting options and considered it an addition to existing healthcare. Girls with TS and their parents indicated that the option of OTC raised hope for future genetic offspring and instantly made them feel that their only option was to seize this opportunity. Gynaecologists and paediatricians found it challenging to truly make families grasp a realistic perspective of OTC in girls with TS.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Offering young girls with TS the possibility of fertility preservation in an experimental setting raised high hopes and led to challenges for healthcare providers in ensuring a considered decision. The appropriate moment for counselling should be tailored to the individual and discussed with patient, parents, and paediatrician.

Management of a Girl With Delayed Puberty and Elevated Gonadotropins

A girl presenting with delayed puberty and elevated gonadotropins may have a range of conditions such as Turner syndrome (TS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and 46,XY disorders of sexual development (DSD). An organized and measured approach to investigation can help reach a timely diagnosis. Management of young people often requires specialist multidisciplinary input to address the endocrine and nonendocrine features of these complex conditions, as well as the psychological challenges posed by their diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing within the research setting has revealed several genetic causes of POI and 46,XY DSD, which may further facilitate an individualized approach to care of these young people in the future. Pubertal induction is required in many and the timing of this may need to be balanced with other issues specific to the condition (eg, allowing time for information-sharing in 46,XY DSD, optimizing growth in TS). Shared decision-making and sign-posting to relevant support groups from the outset can help empower young people and their families to manage these conditions. We describe 3 clinical vignettes of girls presenting with delayed puberty and hypergonadotropic amenorrhea and discuss their clinical management in the context of current literature and guidelines.

The use of oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation in patients with sex chromosome disorders: a case series describing outcomes

PURPOSE

Characterize outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sex chromosome disorders (SCDs) after oocyte cryopreservation (OC) consultation.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of all AYA (< 25 years) patients with SCDs seen for OC consultation from 2011 to 2019 at a large, urban, academic fertility center. All AYA patients with an SCD seen for OC consult in the study time period were reviewed and included. Data collected included patient age, SCD type, number of patients who attempted OC, number of cycles attempted, and cycle outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included: 9 with Turner syndrome, 12 with mosaic Turner syndrome, and 1 with 47,XXX. Mean age at consult was 14.7 ± 3.5 years. Fourteen patients elected for OC: 5 with Turner syndrome, 8 with mosaic Turner syndrome, and 1 47,XXX who pursued 31 OC cycles total. Of those 14 patients, 10 underwent retrieval, 9 froze oocytes, and 8 froze mature (MII) oocytes. Seven patients underwent > 1 cycle and 7 had ≥ 1 cancelation. 3/3 patients who pursued cycles after 1st cancelation never got to retrieval. Age, SCD type, and baseline FSH did not predict ability to freeze MIIs. One patient returned after OC and attempted 4 ovulation induction cycles and 2 IVF cycles; all were canceled for low response.

CONCLUSIONS

AYA patients with SCDs have a high risk of poor response and cycle cancelation but the majority froze MIIs. Thus, setting expectations is important. A larger sample size is needed to evaluate possible clinical predictors of success.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in patients with partial X monosomy using their own oocytes: is this a suitable indication?

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcome of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) using their own oocytes in patients with mosaic Turner Syndrome (MTS). The impact of the assisted reproduction technique (ART) performed (PGT-A or oocyte donation) and the type of absence of the X chromosome (total or partial) were considered.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational multicenter study.

SETTING

University-affiliated private in vitro fertilization center.

PATIENT(S)

Fifty-six patients with MTS with whom 65 ovarian stimulation cycles for PGT-A (fluorescence in situ hybridization/arrays-next generation sequencing) were performed. The study included 90 women with MTS and 20 women with pure Turner Syndrome (PTS) who underwent 140 and 25 oocyte donation (OD) cycles, respectively.

INTERVENTION(S)

In vitro fertilization for PGT-A (fluorescence in situ hybridization/arrays-next generation sequencing) or OD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE (S)

Reproductive outcome and feto-maternal outcomes.

RESULTS

The live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer in patients with MTS tended to be higher in OD 37.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29.3-46.1) than that observed for PGT-A 22.5% (95% CI 7.8-38.2), and the cumulative LBR (CLBR), with 77.6% vs. 43.3%, respectively. Likewise, the LBR per patient was significant when comparing PGT-A vs. OD, with 12.5% (95 CI 3.9-21.1) vs. 51.1% (40.7-61.4), respectively. While focusing on the X chromosome, partial MTS (PTS), we found significant differences in the CLBR per embryo transfer, with 77.6% vs. 29.2%, and also in the LBR per patient: 51.1% (40.7-61.4) in MTS vs. 15% (95 CI 0.0-30.1) in PTS.

CONCLUSION(S)

Oocyte donation is the best reproductive option in females with Turner Syndrome with or without mosaicisms. Nevertheless, PGT-A is a valid therapeutic option in patients with MTS using their own oocytes, and OD should not necessarily be directly recommended.

Current situation and outcomes of pregnancy in women with Turner syndrome in Japan

AIM

Reports on pregnancy and delivery in women with Turner syndrome (TS) in Japan are limited to case reports, and the current situation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the current situation of pregnancy and delivery in women with TS in Japan.

METHODS

Our study comprised primary and secondary surveys and we included perinatal centers approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

RESULTS

A total of 24 cases from 19 facilities were reported, and we obtained individual information for 20 cases from 16 facilities. Of these 20 patients, 13 (65%) had become pregnant via oocyte donation. Three of these patients had received oocyte donation in Japan, while the other 10 had received donations in foreign countries. The other seven patients became pregnant with their own oocyte, with spontaneous menarche. Live babies were delivered by 18 patients, while an induced abortion was required at 18 weeks of gestation in one patient and an intrauterine fetal death from an unknown cause was detected at 38 weeks of gestation in another patient. Cesarean section was performed in 14 patients, with the most frequent indication being cephalopelvic disproportion. The rate of implementation of screening for complications related to TS was low, suggesting insufficient cooperation between facilities responsible for TS treatment, infertility and pregnancy and delivery management.

CONCLUSION

To improve pregnancy outcomes in women with TS, improved cooperation between facilities and laws regarding oocyte donation in Japan are needed.

Maternal, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes for women with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

Turner syndrome (TS) occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 live female births and is caused by the partial or complete loss of one of the X chromosomes, resulting in abnormalities such as ovarian failure and infertility. However, pregnancy in women with TS may still occur via spontaneous pregnancy or through oocyte donation. Limited data exists on pregnancy in women with TS that could aid in clinical care.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the Discharge Abstract Database (2004-2015), which contains all labor and delivery hospitalizations across Canada (excluding Quebec) where women delivered a live or stillborn infant. The odds of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with and without TS were calculated using backwards multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for the Obstetric Comorbidity Index, mode of delivery, and year.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,682,284 women delivered a live or stillborn infant during the study period and 44 birth events occurred for women with TS. No severe maternal morbidity or adverse cardiovascular events occurred for women with TS at their labor and delivery hospitalization. However, infants born to women with TS were 3.6 times more likely (95% CI: 1.7-7.8) to experience neonatal morbidity than those born to women without TS. These infants also were more likely to have had a preterm birth (aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6-5.4) and to be small-for-gestational-age (aOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.4-8.4).

CONCLUSION

This study adds further understanding of the likelihood of adverse outcomes for pregnant women with TS.

Progress in Fertility Preservation Strategies in Turner Syndrome

Growth retardation and gonadal dysgenesis are two of the most important clinical manifestations of Turner syndrome (TS). As premature ovarian failure generally occurs early in life in women with TS, these patients should be counseled and evaluated as early as possible for discussion of optimal and individualized fertility preservation strategies. Infertility seriously affects the quality of life of women with TS. For those who have ovarian reserve, the theoretical options for future fertility in TS patients include cryopreservation of oocytes, ovarian tissues, and embryos. For those who have already lost their ovarian reserve, oocyte or embryo donation, gestational surrogacy, and adoption are strategies that allow fulfillment of desire for parenting. This review describes the etiologies of infertility and reviews the fertility preservation strategies for women with TS.

Intersex, infertility and the future: early diagnoses and the imagined life course

Infertility is often recognised as a status that is medically identified in adulthood after unsuccessful attempts to conceive. This paper develops existing literature by illustrating how current conceptualisations of infertility do not incorporate a full range of experiences. Drawing on detailed, reflective diaries and in-depth interviews with five participants, I explore how infertility is experienced and understood by women with variations of sex characteristics (VSCs) or intersex traits. I argue that greater consideration needs to be applied to intersex people and the circumstances of an infertility status that may be received in infancy, childhood or adolescence, before or outside of attempts to conceive, and without undergoing fertility treatment. Through discussions of time and futurity, this paper seeks to explore how visions of the future coalesce with an infertile status that is received in combination with an atypical sex status early in life. The paper indicates that early infertility can hinder some intersex children and young people's ambitions. However, infertility is not understood to be pathological or consistently prohibitive throughout the lives of everyone affected. Intersex women's conceptions of a potentially childless future are varied, complex, ambivalent and, in some cases, transitional throughout the life course.

TurnerFertility trial: PROTOCOL for an observational cohort study to describe the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in females with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the occurrence of live birth in women with Turner syndrome (TS) after ovarian tissue cryopreservation in childhood followed by auto transplantation in adulthood and to find reliable prognostic markers for estimating the ovarian reserve in girls with TS in the future.

SETTING

An observational cohort study with long-term follow-up in a tertiary fertility clinic in the Netherlands. Patients recruitment between January 2018 and December 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

100 females aged 2 through 18 years with classical Turner (ie, 45,X0) or Turner variants (ie, 45,X mosaicism or structural anomalies). Girls with Y chromosomal content, minor X deletions with marginal impact on fertility, active HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, and/or an absolute contra indication for surgery, anaesthesia or future pregnancy will be excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Ovarian cortical tissue will be harvested by performing a unilateral oophorectomy via laparoscopic approach. Ovarian cortex fragments will be prepared and cryopreserved. One fragment per patient will be used to determine follicular density by conventional histology, and to perform fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis of ovarian cells. Routine chromosome analysis will be performed on both lymphocytes and buccal cells. A blood sample will be taken for hormonal analysis and all subjects will undergo a transabdominal ultrasound to determine the uterine and ovarian size. Patient characteristics, pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes will be collected from the patient's medical record.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects in November 2017 (CCMO NL57738.000.16).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03381300.

Fertility preservation in Turner syndrome: Karyotype does not predict ovarian response to stimulation

OBJECTIVE

Turner syndrome (TS) is responsible for gonadal dysgenesis with high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency. Little is known about fertility preservation (FP) strategies is this population.

DESIGN

Data from women with TS consulting with a fertility specialist in our FP centre from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively collected.

MEASUREMENT

Total number of mature oocytes cryopreserved using vitrification.

PATIENTS

Nine women with TS were referred. Three women with different karyotypes underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for oocyte vitrification. Mean age at TS diagnosis was 13.7 years [9-20]. Mean referral delay between TS diagnosis and fertility consultation was 9.7 years [7-14]. First counselling for FP was provided at 23.7 years [18-28]. Mean AMH serum level prior to COS was 53.8 pmol/L [3.6-95].

RESULTS

All three women succeeded in obtaining cryopreserved oocytes with a mean number of 15.3 per woman [9-20] and 9.2 per COS cycle [2-20]. Ovarian response to COS was unexpectedly remarkable for the woman with a complete 45,X monosomy. Procedure was well tolerated for all women. None of them have used oocytes for in vitro fertilization yet.

CONCLUSIONS

Independently of karyotype, antral follicular count, AMH and FSH levels seemed to be reliable predictive markers of oocyte cryopreservation success. In a monosomic TS woman, cryptic ovarian mosaicism could explain a successful ovarian response to stimulation with a high number of retrieved oocytes. In case of spontaneous menarche, TS adolescents should be referred during transition to adulthood for FP counselling to avoid referral delay and limit time-related diminished ovarian reserve.

Fertility counseling and preservation discussions for females with Turner syndrome in pediatric centers: practice patterns and predictors

OBJECTIVE

To examine fertility counseling and fertility preservation (FP) referrals for young women with Turner syndrome (TS) at pediatric centers and identify possible associations with patient demographic and medical characteristics.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review.

SETTING

Pediatric academic medical centers.

PATIENT(S)

Four hundred and sixty-nine young women with TS (mean age = 14 years, standard deviation 8.5 years; 77% white) who received care between March 2013 and March 2018.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Standardized form to abstract demographics, medical (karyotype; menarchal status; developmental, neuropsychological, and psychological concerns), and treatment characteristics (duration of care, receipt of multidisciplinary care, documentation of fertility/pregnancy counseling, FP specialist referrals) from medical records.

RESULT(S)

We found that 67% of families had documented fertility counseling, although only 27% of charts documented counseling with patients specifically. Only 10% of patients were referred to a FP specialist; 59% of patients with spontaneous menarche had no referral. Pregnancy risk counseling was documented in 38% of charts. In multivariate analyses, families were more likely to receive counseling if the patients had multidisciplinary care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.82). Greater duration of care (AOR 1.16); mosaic (AOR 47.94), complex (AOR 14.59), or partial deletions karyotypes (AOR 35.69); spontaneous menarche (AOR 4.65); and multidisciplinary care (AOR 4.02) had increased odds of FP specialist referrals. Patients with developmental concerns (AOR 0.08) had decreased odds of referrals.

CONCLUSION(S)

Fertility and pregnancy counseling are not routinely documented among patients with TS, and even patients with a limited window of reproductive potential were infrequently referred to FP specialists. Patients seen in multidisciplinary clinics were more likely to receive recommended counseling.

A Spontaneous Pregnancy in a Patient with Turner Syndrome with 45,X/47,XXX Mosaicism: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality, due to a total or partial loss of 1 of the X chromosomes and is mostly characterized clinically by short stature and primary ovarian insufficiency. Spontaneous pregnancies are rare (5%) and of relatively high risk. This is 1 of few reported cases of spontaneous conception and favorable prognosis in a patient with Turner syndrome and a 45,X/47,XXX karyotype.

CASE

A 21-year-old woman with Turner mosaicism (45,X/47,XXX) who had a full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy after spontaneous conception, gave birth to a healthy female (46,XX) infant.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Spontaneous pregnancies in women with Turner syndrome are a rarity. Fertility preservation methods are being discussed. Due to the high reported incidence of neonatal, obstetric, maternal, and especially cardiovascular complications in those pregnancies, close monitoring is essential.

Fertility Issues in Pediatric Urology

Improved understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of many urologic disorders, as well as advances in fertility preservation techniques, has increased the awareness of and options for management of fertility threats in pediatric patients. In children, fertility may be altered by oncologic conditions, by differences in sexual differentiation, by gonadotoxic drugs and other side effects of treatment for nonurologic disorders, and by urologic conditions, such as varicocele and cryptorchidism. Although fertility concerns are best addressed in a multidisciplinary setting, pediatric urologists should be aware of the underlying pathophysiology and management options to properly counsel and advocate for patients.

Genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing for detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy in pregnant women

BACKGROUND

Common fetal aneuploidies include Down syndrome (trisomy 21 or T21), Edward syndrome (trisomy 18 or T18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13 or T13), Turner syndrome (45,X), Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), Triple X syndrome (47,XXX) and 47,XYY syndrome (47,XYY). Prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies is standard care in many countries, but current biochemical and ultrasound tests have high false negative and false positive rates. The discovery of fetal circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in maternal blood offers the potential for genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing (gNIPT) as a more accurate screening method. Two approaches used for gNIPT are massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS) and targeted massively parallel sequencing (TMPS).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of MPSS and TMPS for gNIPT as a first-tier test in unselected populations of pregnant women undergoing aneuploidy screening or as a second-tier test in pregnant women considered to be high risk after first-tier screening for common fetal aneuploidies. The gNIPT results were confirmed by a reference standard such as fetal karyotype or neonatal clinical examination.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched 13 databases (including MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science) from 1 January 2007 to 12 July 2016 without any language, search filter or publication type restrictions. We also screened reference lists of relevant full-text articles, websites of private prenatal diagnosis companies and conference abstracts.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies could include pregnant women of any age, ethnicity and gestational age with singleton or multifetal pregnancy. The women must have had a screening test for fetal aneuploidy by MPSS or TMPS and a reference standard such as fetal karyotype or medical records from birth.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently carried out study selection, data extraction and quality assessment (using the QUADAS-2 tool). Where possible, hierarchical models or simpler alternatives were used for meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty-five studies of 86,139 pregnant women (3141 aneuploids and 82,998 euploids) were included. No study was judged to be at low risk of bias across the four domains of the QUADAS-2 tool but applicability concerns were generally low. Of the 65 studies, 42 enrolled pregnant women at high risk, five recruited an unselected population and 18 recruited cohorts with a mix of prior risk of fetal aneuploidy. Among the 65 studies, 44 evaluated MPSS and 21 evaluated TMPS; of these, five studies also compared gNIPT with a traditional screening test (biochemical, ultrasound or both). Forty-six out of 65 studies (71%) reported gNIPT assay failure rate, which ranged between 0% and 25% for MPSS, and between 0.8% and 7.5% for TMPS.In the population of unselected pregnant women, MPSS was evaluated by only one study; the study assessed T21, T18 and T13. TMPS was assessed for T21 in four studies involving unselected cohorts; three of the studies also assessed T18 and 13. In pooled analyses (88 T21 cases, 22 T18 cases, eight T13 cases and 20,649 unaffected pregnancies (non T21, T18 and T13)), the clinical sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) of TMPS was 99.2% (78.2% to 100%), 90.9% (70.0% to 97.7%) and 65.1% (9.16% to 97.2%) for T21, T18 and T13, respectively. The corresponding clinical specificity was above 99.9% for T21, T18 and T13.In high-risk populations, MPSS was assessed for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X in 30, 28, 20 and 12 studies, respectively. In pooled analyses (1048 T21 cases, 332 T18 cases, 128 T13 cases and 15,797 unaffected pregnancies), the clinical sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) of MPSS was 99.7% (98.0% to 100%), 97.8% (92.5% to 99.4%), 95.8% (86.1% to 98.9%) and 91.7% (78.3% to 97.1%) for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X, respectively. The corresponding clinical specificities (95% CI) were 99.9% (99.8% to 100%), 99.9% (99.8% to 100%), 99.8% (99.8% to 99.9%) and 99.6% (98.9% to 99.8%). In this risk group, TMPS was assessed for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X in six, five, two and four studies. In pooled analyses (246 T21 cases, 112 T18 cases, 20 T13 cases and 4282 unaffected pregnancies), the clinical sensitivity (95% CI) of TMPS was 99.2% (96.8% to 99.8%), 98.2% (93.1% to 99.6%), 100% (83.9% to 100%) and 92.4% (84.1% to 96.5%) for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X respectively. The clinical specificities were above 100% for T21, T18 and T13 and 99.8% (98.3% to 100%) for 45,X. Indirect comparisons of MPSS and TMPS for T21, T18 and 45,X showed no statistical difference in clinical sensitivity, clinical specificity or both. Due to limited data, comparative meta-analysis of MPSS and TMPS was not possible for T13.We were unable to perform meta-analyses of gNIPT for 47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY because there were very few or no studies in one or more risk groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

These results show that MPSS and TMPS perform similarly in terms of clinical sensitivity and specificity for the detection of fetal T31, T18, T13 and sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA). However, no study compared the two approaches head-to-head in the same cohort of patients. The accuracy of gNIPT as a prenatal screening test has been mainly evaluated as a second-tier screening test to identify pregnancies at very low risk of fetal aneuploidies (T21, T18 and T13), thus avoiding invasive procedures. Genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing methods appear to be sensitive and highly specific for detection of fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in high-risk populations. There is paucity of data on the accuracy of gNIPT as a first-tier aneuploidy screening test in a population of unselected pregnant women. With respect to the replacement of invasive tests, the performance of gNIPT observed in this review is not sufficient to replace current invasive diagnostic tests.We conclude that given the current data on the performance of gNIPT, invasive fetal karyotyping is still the required diagnostic approach to confirm the presence of a chromosomal abnormality prior to making irreversible decisions relative to the pregnancy outcome. However, most of the gNIPT studies were prone to bias, especially in terms of the selection of participants.

Consensus Document of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO), Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology (SICP), and Italian Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetrics (SIGO): pregnancy and congenital heart diseases

The success of cardiac surgery over the past 50 years has increased numbers and median age of survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD). Adults now represent two-thirds of patients with CHD; in the USA alone the number is estimated to exceed 1 million. In this population, many affected women reach reproductive age and wish to have children. While in many CHD patients pregnancy can be accomplished successfully, some special situations with complex anatomy, iatrogenic or residual pathology are associated with an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications. Pre-conception counselling allows women to come to truly informed choices. Risk stratification tools can also help high-risk women to eventually renounce to pregnancy and to adopt safe contraception options. Once pregnant, women identified as intermediate or high risk should receive multidisciplinary care involving a cardiologist, an obstetrician and an anesthesiologist with specific expertise in managing this peculiar medical challenge. This document is intended to provide cardiologists working in hospitals where an Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is available with a streamlined and practical tool, useful for them to select the best management strategies to deal with a woman affected by CHD who desires to plan pregnancy or is already pregnant.

Fertility in disorders of sex development: A review

INTRODUCTION

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of complex conditions that can affect chromosomal, gonadal, and/or phenotypical sex. In addition to impacts on internal and external genitalia,these conditions can affect fertility potentialto various degrees. In this review we discuss fertility issues including gonadalpreservation and reproductive outcomes based on specific DSD conditions.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A systematic literature review was performed on Embase^™, PubMed^®, and Google Scholar^™ for disordersof sex development and infertility. Original research articles and relevant reviews were examinedand a synopsis of these data was generated for a comprehensive review of fertility potential in disorders of sex development.

RESULTS

While patients with some DSDs may have functioning gonads with viable germ cells but an inability to achieve natural fertility secondary to incongruent internal or external genitalia, other patients may have phenotypically normal genitalia but infertility due to abnormal gonad development. Fertility rates in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) depend on phenotype and are inversely proportionalto the severity of the disease. Men with classic CAH have reduced fertility and due to the presence of testicular adrenal rest tumors and to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by high systemic levels of androgens. Infertility is seen in complete androgen insensitivity and subfertility is common in partial cases. Fertility is rare in pure or mixed gonadal dysgenesis, ovotesticular disorder, Klinefelter syndrome, and XX males.

CONCLUSION

Fertility potential appears to be the highest in patientswith XX or XY CAH, especially non-classic forms. Advancements in assisted reproduction techniques has in rare cases produced offspring in some diagnoses thought to be universally infertile. Discussion of fertility issues with the patient and family is essential to the optimal treatment of each patient and an important part of the multi-disciplinary approach to evaluating and counseling these families.

A mother's gift of life: exploring the concerns and ethical aspects of fertility preservation for mother-to-daughter oocyte donation

With the introduction of oocyte vitrification, a special form of intergenerational intrafamilial medically assisted reproduction (IMAR) has now become feasible: fertility preservation for mother-to-daughter oocyte donation (FPMDD). For girls diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), banking of their mothers' oocytes can preserve the option of having genetically related offspring. Since policy documents on IMAR do not discuss specific concerns raised by FPMDD, clinicians can feel at a loss for guidance with regard to handling these requests. Through a comparison of FPMDD with reproductive practices in which similar concerns were raised, proportionality of cryopreservation for self-use and pressure to use the oocytes in fertility preservation in minors, we argue that FPMDD can be acceptable under conditions. The paper ends with recommendations for handling FPMDD-requests, including different options for the legal construction of this form of oocyte donation.

Premature ovarian failure: clinical presentation and treatment

Premature ovarian failure is a devastating diagnosis for reproductive-aged women. The diagnosis is relatively easy. However, it has serious health consequences, including psychological distress, infertility, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, ischemic heart disease, and increased risk for mortality. Management should be initiated immediately to prevent long-term consequences. Estrogen therapy is the mainstay of management. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy studies should not be used to determine the risks of treatment in these young women.

Reproductive Issues in Women with Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities affecting female infants. The severity of clinical manifestations varies and it affects multiple organ systems. Women with Turner syndrome have a 3-fold increase in mortality, which becomes even more pronounced in pregnancy. Reproductive options include adoption or surrogacy, assisted reproductive techniques, and in rare cases spontaneous pregnancy. Risks for women with Turner syndrome during pregnancy include aortic disorders, hepatic disease, thyroid disease, type 2 diabetes, and cesarean section delivery. Providers must be familiar with the risks and recommendations in caring for women with Turner syndrome of reproductive age.

Pubertal induction in hypogonadism: Current approaches including use of gonadotrophins

Primary disorders of the gonad or those secondary to abnormalities of the hypothalamic pituitary axis result in hypogonadism. The range of health problems of childhood and adolescence that affect this axis has increased, as most children now survive chronic illness, but many have persisting deficits in gonadal function as a result of their underlying condition or its treatment. An integrated approach to hormone replacement is needed to optimize adult hormonal and bone health, and to offer opportunities for fertility induction and preservation that were not considered possible in the past. Timing of presentation ranges from birth, with disorders of sexual development, through adolescent pubertal failure, to adult fertility problems. This review addresses diagnosis and management of hypogonadism and focuses on new management strategies to address current concerns with fertility preservation. These include Turner syndrome, and fertility presevation prior to childhood cancer treatment. New strategies for male hormone replacement therapy that may impinge upon future fertility are emphasized.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: from pathogenesis to clinical management

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) represents a condition characterized by the absence of normal ovarian function due to an incipient (by 3-10 years) ovarian aging. In most of the women affected there are no signs or symptoms that precede the interruption of menstruation and the onset of POI and the majority of women have a normal history of menarche, regular menstrual cycles and normal fertility. The possible genetic role in the development of POI has been largely demonstrated and many genes have been involved; on the other hand, ovary is not protected immunologically and the detection of autoantibodies directed against various ovarian targets strongly support the hypothesis of an autoimmune etiology. In approximately 5-10% of women with a diagnosis of POI with a normal karyotype, a spontaneous pregnancy could occur even if the recovery of ovarian function is temporary and poorly predictable. Embryo donation and adoption are other alternatives that should be considered. POI and subsequent loss of reproductive capacity is a devastating condition and a difficult diagnosis for women to accept so it requires an individualized and a multidisciplinary approach. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) should be commenced as soon as possible to prevent and to contrast the onset of the symptoms related to hypoestrogenism and to improve the quality of life for these women.

Turner syndrome: update on biology and management across the life span

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review recent understanding of the pathophysiology, molecular biology, and management of Turner syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sophisticated genetic techniques are able to detect mosaicism in one-third of individuals previously thought to have monosomy X. Prenatal detection using maternal blood should permit noninvasive detection of most fetuses with an X chromosome abnormality. Disproportionate growth with short limbs has been documented in this condition, and a target gene of short stature homeobox, connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), has been described. Liver disease is more common in Turner syndrome than previously recognized. Most girls have gonadal failure. Spontaneous puberty and menarche is more commonly seen in girls with XX mosaicism. Low-dose estrogen replacement therapy may be given early to induce a more normal onset and tempo of puberty. Oocyte donation for assisted reproduction carries a substantial risk, particularly if the woman has known cardiac or aortic disease. Neurodevelopmental differences in Turner syndrome are beginning to be correlated with differences in brain anatomy.

SUMMARY

An increased understanding of the molecular basis for aspects of this disorder is now developing. In addition, a renewed focus on health maintenance through the life span should provide better general and targeted healthcare for these girls and women.

Concurrent insulinoma with mosaic Turner syndrome: A case report

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality in which the majority of patients have a 45XO karyotype, while a small number have a 45XO/47XXX karyotype. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia has been previously reported in patients with Turner syndrome. Although insulinomas are the most common type of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and have been reported in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasias, the tumors have not been reported in patients with mosaic Turner syndrome. The present study reports the first case of an insulinoma in a patient with 45XO/47XXX mosaic Turner syndrome. The patient suffered from recurrent hypoglycemia, which was relieved following ingestion of glucose or food. A 5-h glucose tolerance test was performed and the levels of glucose, C-Peptide and insulin were detected. In addition, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound scanning were performed to evaluate the possibility of an insulinoma. Pathological examination and karyotyping were performed on a surgical specimen and a whole blood sample, respectively. The patient was found to suffer from premature ovarian failure, and a physical examination was consistent with a diagnosis of Turner syndrome. An ultrasound scan demonstrated streak ovaries and the patient was found to have a 45XO/47XXX karyotype. Furthermore, a lesion was detected in the pancreas following CT scanning, which was identified as an insulinoma following surgical removal and histological examination. In conclusion, the present study reports the first case of an insulinoma in a patient with mosaic Turner syndrome. Since mosaic Turner syndrome and insulinoma are rare diseases, an association may exist that has not been previously identified.

Oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation in postpubertal female children at risk for premature ovarian failure due to accelerated follicle loss in Turner syndrome or cancer treatments

OBJECTIVE

To preliminarily study the feasibility of oocyte cryopreservation in postpubertal girls aged between 13 and 15 years who were at risk for premature ovarian failure due to the accelerated follicle loss associated with Turner syndrome or cancer treatments.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort and review of literature.

SETTING

Academic fertility preservation unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Three girls diagnosed with Turner syndrome, 1 girl diagnosed with germ-cell tumor. and 1 girl diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia.

INTERVENTIONS

Assessment of ovarian reserve, ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, in vitro maturation, and mature oocyte cryopreservation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Response to ovarian stimulation, number of mature oocytes cryopreserved and complications, if any.

RESULTS

Mean anti-müllerian hormone, baseline follical stimulating hormone, estradiol, and antral follicle counts were 1.30 ± 0.39, 6.08 ± 2.63, 41.39 ± 24.68, 8.0 ± 3.2; respectively. In Turner girls the ovarian reserve assessment indicated already diminished ovarian reserve. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation was successfully performed in all female children referred for fertility preservation. A range of 4-11 mature oocytes (mean 8.1 ± 3.4) was cryopreserved without any complications. All girls tolerated the procedure well.

CONCLUSIONS

Oocyte cryopreservation is a feasible technique in selected female children at risk for premature ovarian failure. Further studies would be beneficial to test the success of oocyte cryopreservation in young girls.

ART and uterine pathology: how relevant is the maternal side for implantation?

BACKGROUND

Assisted reproduction technology (ART) has become a standard treatment for infertile couples. Increased success rates obtained over the years have resulted primarily from improved embryo quality, but implantation rates still remain lower than expected. The uterus, an important player in implantation, has been frequently neglected. While a number of uterine pathologies have been associated with decreased natural fertility, less information exists regarding the impact of these pathologies in ART. This report reviews the evidence to help clinicians advise ART patients.

METHODS

An electronic search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed to identify articles in the English, French or Spanish language published until May 2014 which addressed uterine pathology and ART. Data from natural conception were used only in the absence of data from ART. Studies were classified in decreasing categories: RCTs, prospective controlled trials, prospective non-controlled trials, retrospective studies and experimental studies. Studies included in lower categories were only used if insufficient evidence was available. Pooled data were obtained from systematic reviews with meta-analyses when available. The summary of the evidence for the different outcomes and the degree of the recommendation for interventions were based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) statement recommendations.

RESULTS

There is strong evidence that surrogacy is effective for uterine agenesia. For the remaining pathologies, however, there is very little evidence that the established treatments improve outcomes, or that these pathologies have a negative effect on ART. In the presence of an apparently normal uterus, assessing endometrial receptivity (ER) is the goal; however diagnostic tests are still under development.

CONCLUSIONS

The real effect of different uterine/endometrial integrity pathologies on ART is not known. Moreover, currently proposed treatments are not based on solid evidence, and little can be done to assess ER in normal or abnormal conditions. No strong recommendations can be given based on the published experience, bringing an urgent need for well-designed studies. In this context, we propose algorithms to study the uterus in ART.

Current controversies in turner syndrome: Genetic testing, assisted reproduction, and cardiovascular risks

Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) require close medical follow-up and management for cardiac abnormalities, growth and reproductive issues. This review summarizes current controversies in this condition, including: 1) the optimal genetic testing for Turner syndrome patients, particularly with respect to identification of Y chromosome material that may increase the patient's risk of gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma, 2) which patients should be referred for bilateral gonadectomy and the recommended timing of such referral, 3) options for assisted reproduction in these patients and associated risks, 4) the increased risk of mortality associated with pregnancy in this population, and 5) how best to assess and monitor cardiovascular risks.

Fate of iPSCs derived from azoospermic and fertile men following xenotransplantation to murine seminiferous tubules

Historically, spontaneous deletions and insertions have provided means to probe germline developmental genetics in Drosophila, mouse and other species. Here, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were derived from infertile men with deletions that encompass three Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) regions and are associated with production of few or no sperm but normal somatic development. AZF-deleted iPSC lines were compromised in germ cell development in vitro. Undifferentiated iPSCs transplanted directly into murine seminiferous tubules differentiated extensively to germ-cell-like cells (GCLCs) that localized near the basement membrane, demonstrated morphology indistinguishable from fetal germ cells, and expressed germ-cell-specific proteins diagnostic of primordial germ cells. Alternatively, all iPSCs that exited tubules formed primitive tumors. iPSCs with AZF deletions produced significantly fewer GCLCs in vivo with distinct defects in gene expression. Findings indicate that xenotransplantation of human iPSCs directs germ cell differentiation in a manner dependent on donor genetic status.