Premature Ovarian Failure: An Association with Autoimmune Diseases
Introduction: Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. POF is reported to be associated with autoimmune diseases in 20-30% of cases. Aim: Patients presenting with idiopathic POF were screened for the presence of autoimmune disorders. Mater...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2016-10-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/8671/22027_CE(RA1)_F(T)_PF1(ROAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is the cessation
of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. POF is reported to
be associated with autoimmune diseases in 20-30% of cases.
Aim: Patients presenting with idiopathic POF were screened for
the presence of autoimmune disorders.
Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with idiopathic POF
were included in the study. Baseline investigation in all subjects
included fasting serum FSH, LH, E2, progesterone, free T3, free
T4, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Anti-Thyroperoxidase
(anti-TPO) antibodies, testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEAS) levels. Fasting and post-glucose (2 hours after 75g
of oral glucose) serum calcium and phosphate were estimated
using appropriate assays in biochemistry laboratory.
Results: Seven patients (35%), who presented with secondary
amenorrhea, had thyroid disorders and were already on thyroxine
replacement therapy. One patient also had vitiligo. There was
no history of adrenal disorder. Anti-TPO levels were elevated in
two (10%) patients of secondary amenorrhea group. The levels
of serum testosterone were low in three patients. Serum DHEAS
levels were low in 13 patients. Blood sugar levels (fasting and
2 hour post 75g glucose load) and fasting insulin levels were
normal. Serum calcium and phosphate levels were normal in all
the patients.
Conclusion: Thyroid autoimmunity is the most common
autoimmune disease associated with POF. The finding of low
DHEAS in a large percentage of patients (65%), suggests
possibility of adrenal dysfunction. This requires further testing
for adrenal reserve and adrenal autoantibodies. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |