Abstract
Objective
Iron accumulation in the endocrine glands has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis
of decreased reproductive capacity in patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM).
The aim of the current study was to investigate the serum concentration of anti-Müllerian
hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women with transfusion-dependent β-TM.
Study design
In this case-control study, we recruited 43 women with transfusion-dependent TM and
44 age-matched healthy controls. Hormonal and haematological parameters, serum level
of AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian volume were assessed.
Results
Twenty-two of the 43 women were hypogonadotropic, 8 with primary amenorrhea and 14
with secondary amenorrhea. FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and AMH levels; antral follicle
count; and ovarian volume were significantly lower in women with TM compared with
the control group (p < 0.05 for all).
Conclusion
AMH level and other ovarian reserve markers are significantly diminished in women
with transfusion-dependent TM compared to age-matched controls. Our findings support
a deleterious effect of iron overload on ovarian tissue.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 05, 2017
Accepted:
June 25,
2017
Received in revised form:
June 17,
2017
Received:
January 31,
2017
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
