Primary ovarian insufficiency in cancer survivors: Keys to optimal management

INTRODUCTION

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) carries significant morbidity, causing infertility, sexual disfunction, decreased bone density, cardiovascular risk, emotional distress and early mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To know the incidence and current management of POI in childhood/adolescent solid tumour survivors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a multicentre observational study. It included female patients aged 12-18 years with a diagnosis of solid tumour and meeting clinical or biochemical criteria for POI. The risk was estimated based on the criteria of the Pediatric Initiative Network of the Oncofertility Consortium.

RESULTS

We found an incidence of 1.5 (30 cases of POI): The median age at the time of the event was 14 years (standard deviation, 2.09). The solid tumours associated most frequently with POI were Ewing sarcoma and brain and germ cell tumours. Eighty-three percent of patients did not undergo fertility preservation. Sixty-three percent reported not having undergone menarche at the time of ovarian failure. Ninety-seven percent were at high risk of gonadal toxicity, yet 47% were not monitored before the diagnosis. The median time elapsed to the occurrence of the event was 43.5 months after diagnosis and 29.5 months after completing treatment. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that approximately 30% of POI cases developed within 2 years of diagnosis and that women at Tanner stage 1 developed insufficiency later than women at Tanner stage 5.

CONCLUSIONS

There is room for improvement in the follow-up of women at risk of POI in Spain. The tools currently available facilitate risk assessment at the time of treatment planning and allow the implementation of monitoring, education, early diagnosis, fertility preservation, and replacement therapy as needed. All of this would achieve significant improvement in health outcomes.

Obesity management in women of reproductive age

With the increasing prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age, the detrimental effects on maternal and neonatal health are increasing. The objective of this review is to summarise the evidence that comprehensive management of weight control in women of reproductive age has on maternal-fetal outcomes. First, the impact that obesity has on fertility and pregnancy is described and then the specific aspects of continued weight management in each of the stages (preconception, pregnancy and postpartum) during these years are outlined, not only to benefit women affected by obesity before pregnancy, but also to avoid and reverse weight gain during pregnancy that complicates future pregnancies. Finally, the special planning and follow-up needs of women with a history of bariatric surgery are discussed in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies and/or surgical complications that endanger the mother or affect fetal development.

Biological and immunosuppressive medications in pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility in immune mediated diseases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to gather the available evidence on the different drugs used in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in pregnancy, lactation, their influence on female and male fertility, advice on discontinuation before conception and to help in routine clinical practice for better patient advice on family planning.

METHODS

A bibliographic search was carried out, where published articles (review studies, observational studies and case series) in English or Spanish until April 2020 that analyzed the management of pregnancy, lactation and/or fertility in patients on treatment in immune-mediated diseases were selected.

RESULTS

A total of 95 references were selected and the information on each drug was synthesized in tables. Drugs contraindicated in pregnancy are topical retinoids, pimecrolimus, cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, acitretin, and thiopurines. The lack of data advises against the use of apremilast, tofacitinib, baricitinib, anakinra, abatacept, tocilizumab and the new biologicals. Topical salicylates, paracetamol, ultraviolet therapy and hydroxychloroquine treatment are safe, and anti-TNF biological therapy are considered low risk, with certolizumab being the drug of choice throughout pregnancy and lactation. Most are compatible with paternal exposure except for sulfasalazine, mycophenolate and leflunomide, for which suspension of treatment prior to conception is recommended, and cyclosporine with dose requirements of less than 2mg/kg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

In this context of chronic treatments with teratogenic potential, it is necessary to highlight the importance of pregnancy planning to select the safest drug. Given the quality of the available data, it is still necessary to continuously update the information, as well as to promote observational studies of cohorts of pregnant patients and men of childbearing age, including prospective studies, in order to generate more scientific evidence.

[Translated article] Biological and immunosuppressive medications in pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility in immune mediated diseases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to gather the available evidence on the different drugs used in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in pregnancy, lactation, their influence on female and male fertility, advice on discontinuation before conception and to help in routine clinical practice for better patient advice on family planning.

METHODS

A bibliographic search was carried out, where published articles (review studies, observational studies and case series) in English or Spanish until April 2020 that analyzed the management of pregnancy, lactation and/or fertility in patients on treatment in immune-mediated diseases were selected.

RESULTS

A total of 95 references were selected and the information on each drug was synthesized in tables. Drugs contraindicated in pregnancy are topical retinoids, pimecrolimus, cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, acitretin, and thiopurines. The lack of data advises against the use of apremilast, tofacitinib, baricitinib, anakinra, abatacept, tocilizumab and the new biologicals. Topical salicylates, paracetamol, ultraviolet therapy and hydroxychloroquine treatment are safe, and anti-TNF biological therapy are considered low risk, with certolizumab being the drug of choice throughout pregnancy and lactation. Most are compatible with paternal exposure except for sulfasalazine, mycophenolate and leflunomide, for which suspension of treatment prior to conception is recommended, and cyclosporine with dose requirements of less than 2 mg/kg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

In this context of chronic treatments with teratogenic potential, it is necessary to highlight the importance of pregnancy planning to select the safest drug. Given the quality of the available data, it is still necessary to continuously update the information, as well as to promote observational studies of cohorts of pregnant patients and men of childbearing age, including prospective studies, in order to generate more scientific evidence.

Management of Psoriasis During Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding: A Consensus Statement

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding.

METHODS

The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel.

RESULTS

The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis.

Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection impairs reproductive and fetal parameters in female mice

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic zoonotic diseases caused by intracellular protozoans belonging to the genus Leishmania. Little is known about the effects that this parasitosis may have on the reproductive parameters and pregnancy of infected humans and pets. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis on reproductive and fetal parameters using a female murine model. A control group of female BALB/c mice and a group infected with L. (L.) amazonensis were mated with healthy males. Clinical parameters were monitored during the pre-mating and gestational periods. Female mice were euthanized on day 19 of gestation, when the fetuses were weighed and their length measured and embryonic resorptions and fetal death were recorded. We observed five fetal deaths and three embryonic resorptions in the infected group. Furthermore, there was a decrease in fertility in the infected group (26.32%). The weight of the offspring from infected mothers was lower than that in the control group (1.019±0.035g and 1.163±0.032g, p<0.01). Fetal length was reduced in the infected group (3.71±0.05cm in the control group and 3.40±0.06cm in the infected group p<0.001). This study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. (L.) amazonensis impairs reproductive and fetal parameters in mice.

Effect of varicocelectomy on fertility. Indications, techniques and results

We define varicocele as the dilation of the veins that make up the pampiniform plexus, which is made up of three branches, the internal spermatic, deferential and external spermatic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that varicocele is an important cause of male infertility. This has been acknowledged by several studies that have shown this cause-effect relationship. Varicocele does not always generate infertility. In fact, many patients with varicocele are fertile, decreasing their percentage in the progression of the pathology and the association with other factors such as tobacco, marijuana or endocrine disorders (diabetes or hypothyroidism). Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO). SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS: Surgery is indicated in cases of grade 3 varicocele (when seen through the scrotal skin and palpable as a 'bag of worms' without Valsalva maneuver), cases of atrophy or growth arrest with volume differences of more than 2cm³ between testes, when accompanied by pain and alterations in the spermiogram in young patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of varicocele determines the performance of varicocelectomy, with the inguinal approach in its three branches being the approach of preference. The laparoscopic approach will be used in specific cases.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD): do genetic disorders modify assisted reproductive technologies outcomes?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of common Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene mutations, 5T polymorphism and presence of severe Cystic Fibrosis (CF) on fertility outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in patients presenting Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD).

METHODS

A comparative observational cohort study was performed from 2002 to 2018 with 51 patients with diagnosis of CBAVD. Presence of CFTR mutations and 5T, CF, pregnancy and newborn rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

80.4% percent had some mutation of CFTR gene being ΔF508 the most common (51%). The most frequently described genotype was the 7T/9T (31.4%) with the presence of 5T polymorphism in up to 25.5% of cases. Global newborn rates were 34% in the group using partner spermatozoa. When comparing 5T presence, we observed a decrease in newborn rates when carrying this mutation, without obtaining statistical significance (newborn rate: 5T/non-5T: 7.1/28%, p 0.45). No differences were found when comparing presence of severe CF, common CFTR gene mutations and ICSI-related parameters.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the presence of 5T polymporphism in CBAVD patients may add information when predicting the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques.

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalactiae: Passengers in the sperm travel

During their journey through the female reproductive tract to reach the oocyte in the ampulla of the fallopian tube, spermatozoa interact with substances and microorganisms that affect sperm quality, thus altering their fertilizing capacity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine in vitro the effect of Streptococcus agalactiae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and their soluble factors on sperm parameters, and to evaluate the ability of human sperm to interact with and transport these bacteria.

METHODS

The effects of S. agalactiae, K. pneumoniae and their soluble factors on the viability, sperm motility and functional sperm parameters were quantified. In addition, motile spermatozoa were incubated with decreasing concentrations of bacteria for one hour, washed and post-infection treatments were performed with trypsin and transport capacity was assessed by quantitative cultures.

RESULTS

Incubation of spermatozoa with K. pneumoniae decreased progressive motility. The soluble factors of K. pneumoniae increased the number of necrotic spermatozoa and the soluble factors of S. agalactiae increased lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane (p<0.05). A strong interaction between sperm and bacteria was observed in the transport assays even in washed trypsin-treated samples.

CONCLUSION

Human spermatozoa act as vectors for infections, generating strong interactions with K. pneumoniae and S. agalactiae favoring their diffusion through the female reproductive tract. This interaction affects male fertility by altering progressive motility, increasing the number of necrotic cells and inducing apoptosis.

[Current situation on fertility preservation in cancer patients in Spain: Level of knowledge, information, and professional involvement]

INTRODUCTION

The estimated risks of infertility in childhood cancer due to radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are well known. The involvement of professionals and advances in the different methods of preservation are increasing. However, many patients do not receive information or perform any method of preservation.

MATERIAL

Questionnaires to paediatric onco-haematology institutions throughout Spain. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions assessing their usual practices and knowledge about fertility preservation.

RESULTS

Fifty members of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, representing 24 of 43 centres, responded. These represented 82% of centres that treated higher numbers of patients. The effect of treatment on fertility was known by 78% of those who responded, with 76% admitting not knowing any guideline on fertility in children or adolescents. As for the ideal time and place to inform the patient and/or family, only 14% thought it should be done in the same cancer diagnosis interview. In clinical practice, 12% of those surveyed never referred patients to Human Reproduction Units, another 12% only did so if the patients showed interest, and 38% only refer patients in puberty. Just over one-third (34%) of those referrals were going to receive highly gonadotoxic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

There are clear differences between pre-puberty and puberty patients. The frequency with which some method of fertility preservation is performed in patients is low. All respondents believe that the existence of national guidelines on the matter would be of interest.

[Current role of conservative surgery]

It is not easy to establish the true impact of fibroids on fertility. Fibroidectomy in sterile patients with subserosal fibroids does not offer the best results for patients with in situ fibroids. Women with intramural fibroids appear to present reduced fertility and increased miscarriage rates, compared with women without fibroids. However, fibroidectomy does not always reverse this effect (does not increase the clinical pregnancy or "take-home baby" rates), but the quality of the studies is still poor. Fibroids with a submucosal component significantly decrease implantation and pregnancy rates with regard to sterile controls. Fibroid exeresis clearly improves fertility results. There is a need for better quality studies aimed at assessing the impact of intramural fibroids, with a special focus on factors such as size, number and proximity to the endometrium. The majority of cases can be treated endoscopically. This procedure needs properly trained teams who monitor their results and who are able to offer the same guarantees that laparotomy affords, both in terms of the surgical technique and the patients' obstetric future. Laparoscopic fibroidectomy offers results comparable to laparotomy and minimizes the formation of adhesions, blood loss, hospital stay and the time to return to work. For sterile patients, laparoscopic fibroidectomy may be the first choice therapy.