Premature Ovarian Deficiency in HIV-infected Women

23:08 28.04.2008

 

Little is known on the effect of HAART or HIV infection itself on ovarian function. Reports of menstrual dysfunction, increased miscarriage rates, and elevated basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) suggest premature ovarian dysfunction. This group previously reported an impaired response to ovarian stimulation and a lower pregnancy rate in a series of HIV-infected patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian function in HIV-infected women aged l8-45. This study used the following markers of ovarian function. (FSH), Inhibin B and antimullerian hormone (AMH) for early follicular phase hormonal assessments, and the antral follicular count defined by ultra sonography on days 7-l0 for later phase abnormalities.

A total of 82 patients were studied. In 85 % of patients at least 1 of the markers was abnormal and many had 2 or more markers that were abnormal. This series of patients was associated with stigmas of premature ovarian insufficiency based on these changes in ovarian function markers. There was no apparent deleterious effect of HAART since the measurements were determined before and after the initiation of HAART. . They feel that these findings may explain impaired fertility and premature menopause in HIV infected women.

For the full article click here..http://www.retroconference.org/2008/PDFs/669.pdf