Genetic abnormalities in Turkish women with premature ovarian failure

To identify the distribution of cytogenetic abnormalities among Turkish women with premature ovarian failure (POF).

A karyotype analysis was performed at the Medical Genetics Department of Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, for 75 women younger than 40years found to have POF over a 5-year period.

There were 18 familial cases (24%), 1 of which involving an abnormality of the X chromosome [46,X,del(X)(q22)]. Sixteen patients (21.3%) had chromosomal abnormalities such as Xq and Xp deletions, translocations, and numerical aberrations; 2 had Swyer syndrome; 2 were fragile X premutation carriers; and 1 had galactosemia.

A genetic cause of POF was identified in 39 (52%) of 75 patients. A thorough genetic evaluation of women with POF should be performed regardless of clinical features suggestive of chromosomal abnormality.