Fertility in Turner syndrome
Jacqueline K Hewitt1, Yasmin Jayasinghe, David J Amor
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Clinical Endocrinology
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Women with Turner syndrome (TS) face pregnancy risks. Fertility preservation, like ovarian tissue cryopreservation, offers options, but further research is crucial for improved maternal and fetal outcomes in TS patients.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with unique fertility challenges and increased pregnancy risks.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly considered for women with TS.
- Existing parenting options for women with TS include adoption, surrogacy, and reproductive assistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current fertility options for women with Turner syndrome.
- To discuss the risks and benefits of homologous and heterologous fertility preservation in TS.
- To highlight the need for further research into improving maternal and fetal outcomes in TS pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Review of established fertility preservation techniques, including oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
- Analysis of heterologous fertility assistance using donor oocytes.
- Examination of homologous fertility preservation, distinguishing between mature oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
Main Results:
- Heterologous oocyte donation is an established ART for women with TS.
- Mature oocyte cryopreservation is limited in TS due to early ovarian atresia.
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has resulted in over 30 pregnancies, but none in women with TS to date.
Conclusions:
- Homologous fertility preservation in children with TS should be considered only in specialized centers with ethical approval.
- Further research is essential to enhance maternal and fetal outcomes for pregnant women with TS.
- Improved understanding and techniques are needed to optimize fertility options and pregnancy success for women with Turner syndrome.
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