P–598 Further evidence for a functional hormonal adrenal-ovarian axis affecting female infertility

Study question

How does here presented case offer further evidence for existence of a functional hormonal adrenal-ovarian axis?

Summary answer

This is the first case of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome leading to severe adrenal and ovarian insufficiency, as evidenced by undetectable estrogen and low androgen levels.

What is known already

Animal models and human data have convincingly demonstrated that hypo-androgenism affects follicle recruitment and growth, especially at small growing follicle stages, in most severe cases even mimicking primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). In milder forms, hypoandrogenism reduces follicle number, egg numbers as well as egg quality, unless reconstituted in timely fashion before IVF cycle start.

Study design, size, duration

We here report a 34-year-old G1P1, who presented for a second opinion with a diagnosis of secondary “unexplained” infertility after two IVF cycles at another fertility center.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Since our center considers a diagnosis of “unexplained” infertility as subjective, the patient underwent a thorough diagnostic evaluation. She was using oral contraceptive pills for one week at the time her laboratory results were drawn. Main results and the role of chance: Her free (FT) and total testosterone (TT) (0.4 pg/ml and 5.0 ng/dL, respectively), DHEA and DHEAS (103.0 ng/dL and 92.0 µg/dL, respectively) were low and her estradiol was undetectable (<25 pg/mL), reflecting significant adrenal as well as ovarian suppression. Morning ACTH was undetectable at < 5 pg/mL but cortisol was abnormally elevated (17.7mcg/dL), leading to diagnoses of secondary adrenal insufficiency as well as secondary ovarian insufficiency (SOI) due to adrenal hypo-androgenism from lack of ACTH production. She, in addition, revealed a positive ANA titer (1:160). Because of eczema, she for over a year had been on a super-potent topical steroid ointment. Upon termination of this steroid, adrenal as well as ovarian function, as evidenced by her hormonal values, normalized.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is the first case in the literature where iatrogenic-induced insufficiency of adrenal androgen production resulted in secondary ovarian insufficiency (SOI), characterized by undetectable estradiol, reversible by withdrawal of topical steroid treatment.

Wider implications of the findings: This case offers further evidence that the traditional hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPAA) extends downstream to ovaries (HPAOA), reaffirming the ability of adrenals to control ovarian function.

Trial registration number

n/a

P–600 Ovarian function following intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (APRP) in women with low functional ovarian reserve

Study question

Does exposure of ovaries to autologous growth factors in platelet rich plasma (APRP) affect the pituitary ovarian axis?

Summary answer

Within 60 days after injection, growing follicle numbers and estrogen levels increased, though FSH did not change, with effects most pronounced in still menstruating women.

What is known already

APRP is extracted from a patient’s autologous blood and delivers growth factors. It is widely used in several medical specialties and has in infertility practice been reported to increase folicle/egg numbers if injected into ovaries and improve endometrial thickness/implantation if used for perfusion of the endometrium.

Study design, size, duration

Prospective observational cohort study of women with low functional ovarian reserve, followed for 60 days after subcortical injection of ovaries.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

44 women with prior poor response to ovulation induction, FSH > 12 mIU/mL and AMH < 1.0 ng/mL. APRP was prepared using Regen Lab PRP Kit which is approved by the US-FDA. 1.0–1.5 ml of PRP was injected into the cortex of each ovary divided among 7 to 10 injection sites. Participants were followed every three days with monitoring for estradiol, FSH and follicle growth for the first two weeks after PRP and then weekly.

Main results and the role of chance

21/43 patients still regularly menstruated (subgroup A, age 43.9 ± 5.1 years); 23/43 (subgroup B, age 42.6 ± 6.2 years) were amenorrheic for a median of 6 months. In A, AMH, FSH and estradiol were 0.18 ± 0.20 ng/mL, 37.5 ± 47.6 mIU/mL, and 100.2 ± 73.4 pg/mL, while in B they were 0.06 ± 0.11 ng/mL, 73.0 ± 44.8 mIU/mL and 66.7 ± 57.6 pg/mL. Following APRP, A-patients demonstrated increased estradiol to 211 ± 193.7 pg/mL (P = 0.029) while B-patients only demonstrated a trend to 98.1 ± 86.5 (P = 0.09). Among A patients, 14/21 (66.7%) entered IVF cycles and 5/21 (23.8%) reached retrieval. So-far 1 patients established an ongoing clinical pregnancy. Among B patients 8/23 (34.8%) entered IVF cycles and only 2/23 (8.7%) reached retrieval and none achieved pregnancy.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This observational study was only carried out to estimate possible effects of APRP treatments. Based on these observations, we are now conducting a randomized controlled trial, limited to cycling women under age 45 years [registration # NCT04278313].

Wider implications of the findings: PRP appears to have limited ability to affect ovarian reserve of older, and especially amenorrheic women. It may, however, exert more favorable effects on still menstruating women. Promotion of APRP treatment as “ovarian rejuvenation,” however, appears to be an inappropriate choice of words.

Trial registration number

N/A