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van der Coelen S, van der Velden J, Nadesapillai S, Braat D, Peek R, Fleischer K. Navigating fertility dilemmas across the lifespan in girls with Turner syndrome-a scoping review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:383-409. [PMID: 38452347 PMCID: PMC11215162 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) lack a partial or complete sex chromosome, which causes an accelerated decline of their ovarian reserve. Girls have to deal with several dilemmas related to their fertility, while only a limited number of them are referred to a fertility specialist and counselled about options of family planning on time. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This scoping review provides an update of the literature on fertility in girls with TS throughout their lifespan and aims to propose a clinical practice guideline on fertility in TS. SEARCH METHODS Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of science were searched using the following key terms: Turner syndrome, fertility, puberty, pregnancy, sex-hormones, karyotype, fertility preservation, assisted reproductive techniques, and counselling, alongside relevant subject headings and synonymous terms. English language articles published since 2007 were critically reviewed. Pregnancies after using donated oocytes and data about girls with TS with Y-chromosomal content were excluded. OUTCOMES This search identified 1269 studies of which 120 were extracted for the review. The prevalence of natural conception ranged from 15% to 48% in women with 45,X/46,XX, 1% to 3% in women with 45,X, and 4% to 9% in women with other TS karyotypes. When assessing a girl's fertility potential, it was crucial to determine the karyotype in two cell lines, because hidden mosaicism may exist. In addition to karyotype, assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) played a significant role in estimating ovarian function. Girls with AMH above the detection limit were most likely to experience spontaneous thelarche, menarche, and ongoing ovarian function during the reproductive lifespan. Fertility preservation became more routine practice: vitrification of oocytes was reported in 58 girls with TS and a median of five oocytes were preserved per stimulation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has demonstrated the presence of follicles in approximately 30% of girls with TS, mostly in girls with mosaic-TS, spontaneous puberty, and AMH above the detection limit. Although girls and their parents appreciated receiving counselling on fertility in TS, only one in ten girls with TS received specialized counselling. Unfamiliarity with fertility preservation techniques or uncertainties regarding the eligibility of a girl for fertility preservation constituted barriers for healthcare professionals when discussing fertility with girls with TS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There currently is a high demand for fertility preservation techniques in girls with TS. A reliable prognostic model to determine which girls with TS might benefit from fertility preservation is lacking. Only a minority of these girls received comprehensive fertility counselling on the full spectrum of fertility, including uncertainties of fertility preservation, pregnancy risks, and alternatives, such as adoption. Fertility preservation could be a viable option for girls with TS. However, the question remains whether enough oocytes can be obtained for a realistic prospect of a live birth. It is important that girls and parents are empowered with the necessary information to make a well-informed decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne van der Coelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janielle van der Velden
- Department of Paediatrics, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sapthami Nadesapillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Didi Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Peek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nij Geertgen Center for Fertility, Elsendorp, The Netherlands
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Gravholt CH, Andersen NH, Christin-Maitre S, Davis SM, Duijnhouwer A, Gawlik A, Maciel-Guerra AT, Gutmark-Little I, Fleischer K, Hong D, Klein KO, Prakash SK, Shankar RK, Sandberg DE, Sas TCJ, Skakkebæk A, Stochholm K, van der Velden JA, Backeljauw PF. Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:G53-G151. [PMID: 38748847 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends previous ones and includes important new advances, within diagnostics and genetics, estrogen treatment, fertility, co-morbidities, and neurocognition and neuropsychology. Exploratory meetings were held in 2021 in Europe and United States culminating with a consensus meeting in Aarhus, Denmark in June 2023. Prior to this, eight groups addressed important areas in TS care: (1) diagnosis and genetics, (2) growth, (3) puberty and estrogen treatment, (4) cardiovascular health, (5) transition, (6) fertility assessment, monitoring, and counselling, (7) health surveillance for comorbidities throughout the lifespan, and (8) neurocognition and its implications for mental health and well-being. Each group produced proposals for the present guidelines, which were meticulously discussed by the entire group. Four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with systematic review of the literature. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with members from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, the Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Australia and New Zealand Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Latin American Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives for pre-meeting discussions and the consensus meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Niels H Andersen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Sophie Christin-Maitre
- Endocrine and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Center of Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development (CMERCD), FIRENDO, Endo ERN Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Shanlee M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
- eXtraOrdinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Anthonie Duijnhouwer
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Aneta Gawlik
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrea T Maciel-Guerra
- Area of Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, 13083-888 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iris Gutmark-Little
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, United States
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nij Geertgen Center for Fertility, Ripseweg 9, 5424 SM Elsendorp, The Netherlands
| | - David Hong
- Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, United States
| | - Karen O Klein
- Rady Children's Hospital, University of California, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
| | - Siddharth K Prakash
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Roopa Kanakatti Shankar
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - David E Sandberg
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, United States
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, United States
| | - Theo C J Sas
- Department the Pediatric Endocrinology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Pediatric and Adult Diabetes Care and Research, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Stochholm
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Center for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Janielle A van der Velden
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe F Backeljauw
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, United States
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Sekiguchi M, Ito A, Fukuda Y, Yoneyama M, Furui M, Nakaoka K, Umemura N, Hayashi Y, Tamaki Y, Katagiri Y, Nakata M. Optimal timing to retrieve oocytes for fertility preservation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: two cases of controlled ovarian stimulation using DuoStim with a literature review. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2217262. [PMID: 37271166 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2217262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation (FP) for hematological malignancies is difficult because immediate chemotherapy is needed after diagnosis. We report two cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte cryopreservation using DuoStim after first-line chemotherapy. In Cases 1 and 2, COS and oocyte retrieval (OR) were performed using DuoStim 116 and 51 days after first-line chemotherapy, respectively, and 14 and 6 unfertilized oocytes, respectively, were cryopreserved. Another round of COS and OR was performed using the random-start method 82 days after first-line chemotherapy, and 22 unfertilized oocytes were cryopreserved. DuoStim is useful to maximize OR for patients with a short interval for FP. Many oocytes can be retrieved depending on the timing of recruitment from primary to secondary follicles, although ovarian reserve capacity declines immediately after first-line chemotherapy. Aggressive FP should be performed before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation becomes necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Sekiguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumu Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Fukuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayuko Furui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakaoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nahomi Umemura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Tamaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Katagiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Nakata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Brouillet S, Ranisavljevic N, Sonigo C, Haquet E, Bringer-Deutsch S, Loup-Cabaniols V, Hamamah S, Willems M, Anahory T. Should we perform oocyte accumulation to preserve fertility in women with Turner syndrome? A multicenter study and systematic review of the literature. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1733-1745. [PMID: 37381072 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Should we perform oocyte accumulation to preserve fertility in women with Turner syndrome (TS)? SUMMARY ANSWER The oocyte cryopreservation strategy is not well adapted for all TS women as their combination of high basal FSH with low basal AMH and low percentage of 46,XX cells in the karyotype significantly reduces the chances of freezing sufficient mature oocytes for fertility preservation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An oocyte cryopreservation strategy requiring numerous stimulation cycles is needed to preserve fertility in TS women, to compensate for the low ovarian response, the possible oocyte genetic alterations, the reduced endometrial receptivity, and the increased rate of miscarriage, observed in this specific population. The validation of reliable predictive biomarkers of ovarian response to hormonal stimulation in TS patients is necessary to help practitioners and patients choose the best-personalized fertility preservation strategy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective bicentric study was performed from 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2023. Clinical and biological data from all TS women who have received from ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation were collected. A systematic review of the current literature on oocyte retrieval outcomes after ovarian stimulation in TS women was also performed (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022362352). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 14 TS women who had undergone ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation were included, representing the largest cohort of TS patients published to date (n = 14 patients, 24 cycles). The systematic review of the literature identified 34 additional TS patients with 47 oocyte retrieval outcomes after ovarian stimulation in 14 publications (n = 48 patients, n = 71 cycles in total). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The number of cryopreserved mature oocytes on the first cycle for TS patients was low (4.0 ± 3.7). Oocyte accumulation was systematically proposed to increase fertility potential and was accepted by 50% (7/14) of patients (2.4 ± 0.5 cycles), leading to an improved total number of 10.9 ± 7.2 cryopreserved mature oocytes per patient. In the group who refused the oocyte accumulation strategy, only one patient exceeded the threshold of 10 mature cryopreserved oocytes. In contrast, 57.1% (4/7) and 42.9% (3/7) of patients who have underwent the oocyte accumulation strategy reached the threshold of 10 and 15 mature cryopreserved oocytes, respectively (OR = 8 (0.6; 107.0), P = 0.12; OR= 11 (0.5; 282.1), P = 0.13). By analyzing all the data published to date and combining it with our data (n = 48 patients, n = 71 cycles), low basal FSH and high AMH concentrations as well as a higher percentage of 46,XX cells in the karyotype were significantly associated with a higher number of cryopreserved oocytes after the first cycle. Moreover, the combination of low basal FSH concentration (<5.9 IU/l), high AMH concentration (>1.13 ng/ml), and the presence of 46,XX cells (>1%) was significantly predictive of obtaining at least six cryopreserved oocytes in the first cycle, representing objective criteria for identifying patients with real chances of preserving an adequate fertility potential by oocyte cryopreservation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our results should be analyzed with caution, as the optimal oocyte number needed for successful live birth in TS patients is still unknown due to the low number of reports their oocyte use in the literature to date. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS TS patients should benefit from relevant clinical evaluation, genetic counseling and psychological support to make an informed choice regarding their fertility preservation technique, as numerous stimulation cycles would be necessary to preserve a high number of oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research received no external funding. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brouillet
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Univ Montpellier, DEFE, INSERM 1203, Embryo Development Fertility Environment, Montpellier, France
| | - N Ranisavljevic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C Sonigo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Université Paris Saclay, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Antoine Beclere Hospital, Clamart, France
- Université Paris Saclay, INSERM, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocrinienne, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - E Haquet
- Department of Medical Genetics, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - S Bringer-Deutsch
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - V Loup-Cabaniols
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - S Hamamah
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Univ Montpellier, DEFE, INSERM 1203, Embryo Development Fertility Environment, Montpellier, France
| | - M Willems
- Department of Medical Genetics, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, U1298, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - T Anahory
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Petrone P, Vaiarelli A, Blockeel C. Double stimulation for the management of poor-prognosis patients: where are we going? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:246-253. [PMID: 36912335 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The technical improvements in IVF allowed the implementation of nonconventional ovarian stimulation protocols for some specific patients. Where time is crucial, such as with oncologic patients, poor-prognosis patients, patients with low ovarian reserve, and those with advanced maternal age, access to IVF treatment is even more critical. Some of these protocols might start in the late follicular phase, luteal phase, or involve both stimulations within the same ovarian cycle. RECENT FINDINGS Until now, published evidence showed that oocytes retrieved from unconventional protocol seem to be developmentally, genetically, and reproductively competent. Second stimulation in the same ovarian cycle after the conventional approach may represent a sound alternative to oocyte accumulation. This can be proposed in progress after careful counselling focused on the patients' chances of finding at least one euploid embryo on account of their age and of the number of blastocysts obtained after the conventional approach. SUMMARY The adoption of these new strategies, known as double stimulation protocol, can be conceived as a real full-personalization of ovarian stimulation. Multicentre prospective RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy, efficiency, and costs of double stimulation versus two consecutive conventional approaches with standard or mild stimulation and in a different IVF setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Petrone
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecologic Unit, University of Rome 'TorVergata'
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Santulli P, Blockeel C, Bourdon M, Coticchio G, Campbell A, De Vos M, Macklon KT, Pinborg A, Garcia-Velasco JA. Fertility preservation in women with benign gynaecological conditions. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad012. [PMID: 37124950 PMCID: PMC10130191 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a wealth of data has been published regarding fertility preservation (FP) in women with malignant diseases who receive gonadotoxic treatment, the role of FP in non-malignant conditions has been studied to a much lesser extent. These include benign haematological, autoimmune, and genetic disorders, as well as a multitude of benign gynaecological conditions (BGCs) that may compromise ovarian reserve and/or reproductive potential due to pathogenic mechanisms or as a result of medical or surgical treatments. Alongside accumulating data that document the reproductive potential of cryopreserved oocytes and ovarian tissue, there is potential interest in FP for women with BGCs at risk of infertility; however, there are currently insufficient data about FP in women with BGCs to develop guidelines for clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to appraise the available evidence regarding FP for BGC and discuss potential strategies for FP based on estimated ovarian impairment and on short-term and long-term reproductive goals of patients. Cost-effectiveness considerations and patients' perspectives will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Santulli
- Correspondence address. Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Cochin—Bâtiment Port Royal, 123 Boulevard de Port-Royal 75679 Paris 14, France. E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Tryde Macklon
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juan A Garcia-Velasco
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI-RMA), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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Więcek M, Gawlik J, Nowak Z, Gawlik A. Questions concerning fertility preservation during transition in girls with Turner syndrome: review of the literature. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:e220344. [PMID: 36191160 PMCID: PMC9641775 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Więcek
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Jakub Gawlik
- Student Scientific Society at the Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Nowak
- Student Scientific Society at the Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aneta Gawlik
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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La Marca A, Mastellari E. Fertility preservation for genetic diseases leading to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:759-777. [PMID: 33495935 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current review aims to summarize the data available concerning the applicability of fertility preservation techniques to genetic conditions at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS A literature review through the PubMed Database was carried out. RESULTS About 10% of cases of POI is related to genetic diseases. The most frequent conditions associated with POI are Turner syndrome and fragile X pre-mutation; mutation of BRCA 1-2 genes and several other mutations and genetic syndromes have recently been highlighted, although they rarely occur. If a diagnosis is issued before POI onset, counseling on currently available fertility preservation techniques is advisable. In case of spontaneous menarche (this can occur variably depending on the mutation) established techniques like embryo or oocyte cryopreservation can be proposed, even if, in some cases, their effectiveness may be reduced by ovarian alterations connected to the mutation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has recently been defined as an established medical procedure for fertility preservation in young cancer patients and may be an option for prepubertal patients. However, it is still experimental in special populations with genetic diseases causing POI. New innovative experimental techniques, like in vitro maturation of immature oocytes (IVM) and vitro activation (IVA) of immature follicles on ovarian tissue, have shown limited but encouraging data and they will be probably available in the near future. For a correct risk-benefit evaluation, the following aspects should be considered: actual knowledge about the pathology-specific efficacy of the various techniques, the average age of onset of POI, the possible risks associated with the procedure in relation to the underlying pathology, the probability of spontaneous conception, as well as the health implications of a possible future pregnancy.. CONCLUSIONS Fertility preservation techniques represent a crucial opportunity for patients with genetic risk of POI. Early diagnosis increases the chances to apply these techniques. No specific recommendations concerning fertility preservation for each genetic pathology are available, and clinicians should first counsel the patient and her relatives about known risks and benefits of the available techniques, both those established and those considered as experimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. .,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Elisa Mastellari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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