Biomarkers of ovarian reserve in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review

Age-Related Changes in Low Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Female Adolescents: A Single-Center Retrospective Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Available data on the clinical significance of low serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in female adolescents are limited. The aim of this study was to elucidate age-related changes in low serum AMH levels in adolescents and to identify predictive factors for AMH progression.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on a series of female adolescents aged 11-19 years with low serum AMH levels (<1.19 ng/mL) who underwent additional AMH tests at least 1 year apart. Participants who showed an increase in the subsequent AMH test (>1.6 ng/mL) (Group 1) were compared with those who did not (Group 2).

RESULTS

Among 1655 adolescents who underwent AMH testing at least once from 2010 to 2022, 75 participants (4.5%) exhibited low AMH levels (<1.19 ng/mL), excluding primary ovarian insufficiency. A notable increase in serum AMH levels (>1.6 ng/mL) was confirmed in 7 (30.4%) of 23 female adolescents who underwent relevant follow-up testing. Group 1 had higher initial AMH levels and lower initial follicle-stimulating hormone levels than Group 2 (1.0 vs 0.59 ng/mL, P = .001 and 4.4 vs 9.8 mIU/mL, P = .015, respectively). Ovarian volume did not differ between the groups (3.8 vs 4.4 cm3, P = .465). None of the participants with initial AMH levels under 0.75 ng/mL showed an increase in AMH levels during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that low serum AMH levels in adolescents may have other explanations in addition to being indicative of a low ovarian reserve. Prospective studies involving a larger number of participants will aid in predicting AMH improvement in adolescents.

Ovarian reserve in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis using biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on ovarian reserve in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed from March 2021 to March 2022 and included 81 patients with JIA and 49 healthy children. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence methods.

RESULTS

The mean of current age (13.5 ± 3.2 vs. 14.4 ± 2.4 years), height standard deviation score (SDS) (- 0.35 ± 1.18 vs. - 0.44 ± 0.94), body mass index SDS (0.12 ± 1.33 vs. 0.25 ± 1.28), and the median weight SDS (- 0.13 (- 2.27-3.23) vs. - 0.52 (- 3.4-3.3)) were similar in JIA patients and controls (p > 0.05). Patients with JIA were divided into two groups according to their treatment regimens: treated with methotrexate (MTX) (biologic naive) (n = 32) and treated with MTX plus bDMARDs (n = 49). No significant differences were detected between the 3 groups regarding menarche age, menstrual cycle length, and flow duration (for all p > 0.05). The median serum concentration of AMH was 2.94 (1.12-7.88) ng/ml in the control group, 3.02 (0.36-8.54) ng/ml in the biologic naïve group, and 3.01 (0.99-8.26) ng/ml in the MTX plus bDMARD group. There were no significant differences between 3 groups according to serum AMH, FSH, LH, and estradiol levels (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Biologic DMARDs are reassuring in terms of ovarian reserve in girls with JIA and demonstrate that AMH is unaffected by treatment. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings and to evaluate the impact on the future fertility of patients. Key Points • Although biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are being game-changing treatment options in juvenile idiopathic arthritis, their effect on fertility and ovarian reserve is one of the most discussed issues. • In addition to treatment used, autoimmune diseases might also have a negative effect on fertility. • In this cross-sectional study, we found that anti-Mullerian hormone level of patients who were on bDMARDs, patients who were on methotrexate, and healthy controls were similar. • Our results suggest that bDMARDs are reassuring in terms of ovarian reserve in girls with JIA and demonstrate that AMH is unaffected by treatment.

Evaluation of the Association of Endometrial Thickness, Insulin Resistance, and Menstrual Patterns in Adolescent Females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate endometrial stripe (EMS) thickness and its association with menstrual pattern and insulin resistance in adolescent females with or at risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study of adolescent females ranging between 12 and 21 years old evaluated in the Adolescent Gynecology & Endocrinology Clinic (AGEC) at a tertiary children's hospital between 2017 and 2021. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound (US) was obtained for evaluation of PCOS or acute pelvic pain. Unadjusted comparisons were performed between imaging measurements in the PCOS and control (girls without PCOS with acute pelvic pain) groups, as well as analysis of the PCOS group adjusted for age, body mass index, race, and biochemical values. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS

In our study, 54 subjects met the inclusion criteria for the PCOS group and 42 for the control group. EMS thickness was thinner in the PCOS group than in the control (0.55 ± 0.31 cm vs 0.70 ± 0.23 cm; P < .001). There was no difference in EMS thickness in the PCOS group when stratified by intermenstrual interval, insulin resistance, and other biochemical factors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support recommendations by the 2018 International Guidelines to avoid use of US for the establishment of PCOS diagnosis in adolescents. These results highlight the unique pathophysiology of adolescent PCOS in contrast to PCOS in adult women. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to understand the role of EMS thickness as a prognostic marker in adolescent PCOS.

Standardizing the surgical management of benign ovarian tumors in children and adolescents: A best practice Delphi consensus statement

AIM

No widely agreed consensus protocols exist for the management of benign ovarian tumors (BOT) in children. This presents a substantial risk for suboptimal management. We aimed to generate multispecialty consensus guidance to standardize surgical management and provide a clear follow-up protocol for children with BOTs.

METHODS

Prospective two-round confidential e-Delphi consensus survey distributed among multispecialty expert panel; concluded by two semistructured videoconferences.

MAIN RESULTS

Consensus was generated on these core outcome sets: preoperative/intraoperative management; follow-up; adolescent gynecology referral. (1) Children with BOTs should receive the same management as other patients with potentially neoplastic lesions: Preoperative discussion at a pediatric oncology multidisciplinary meeting to risk stratify tumors, and management by health professionals with expertise in ovarian-sparing surgery and laparoscopy. (2) Ovarian-sparing surgery for BOTs should be performed wherever possible to maximize fertility preservation. (3) Ovarian masses detected during emergency laparoscopy/laparotomy should be left in situ wherever feasible and investigated appropriately (imaging/tumor markers) before resection. (4) Follow-up should be undertaken for all patients after BOT resection. Patients should be offered referral to adolescent gynecology to discuss fertility implications.

CONCLUSION

This best practice Delphi consensus statement emphasizes the importance of managing children with BOTs through a well-defined oncological MDT strategy, in order to optimize risk stratification and allow fertility preservation by ovarian-sparing surgery wherever possible.

Novel Insights Into Monogenic Obesity Syndrome Due to INPP5E Gene Variant: A Case Report of a Female Patient

A Caucasian girl with consanguineous parents presented with early severe obesity and retinal dystrophy. A novel, homozygous gene truncating variant (c.1897C>T) in the INPP5E gene confirmed the diagnosis of MORMS (OMIM #610156). A novel clinical finding in the presented syndrome is progressive cone-rod type retinal dystrophy diagnosed at the age of four months that progressed in the 1^st decade of life. Severe obesity, insulin resistance with hyperinsulinism, and impaired glucose tolerance developed alongside other components of the metabolic syndrome - dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and obstructive hypopnea in sleep. At the age of 14 years, primary amenorrhea persists. The patient is managed by regular nutritional advice, metformin, antihypertensive medication, and non-invasive respiratory support during sleep. Differential diagnosis of this rare entity is discussed in extend.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, May 2020

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of a new National Academy of Medicine report on planned place of birth and implications during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and commentaries on reviews focused on anorectal sexually transmitted infections and feeding methods following cleft lip repair in infants.