Pınar Yalçın Bahat1, Pınar Kadiroğulları2, Nura Fitnat Topbas Selcuki3, Burak Yücel4, Kübra Çakmak5, Eda Üreyen Özdemir6. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, 34000, Istanbul, Turkey. dr_pinaryalcin@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem University Atakent Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, 34000, Istanbul, Turkey. 5. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Esenler Maternity and Children's Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. 6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ankara, Çubuk Halil Şıvgın Hospital, Çubuk, Turkey.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the autoimmune effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on the fertility potential of women by evaluating ovarian reserves of AS patients. METHODS: A total of 104 patients, 52 in the AS group (study group) and 52 in the control group were included in the study. Ovarian reserve was evaluated by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC) and baseline serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. RESULTS: The mean serum AMH levels were significantly lower in the study group when compared to the controls (2.203 ± 1.110 vs. 1.188 ± 0.891, p < 0.001). In addition, the mean AFC was also significantly lower in the study group. (10.67 ± 1.81 vs. 9.54 ± 2.50, p = 0.009). Mean FSH levels were calculated to be 6.72 ± 1.14 in the study group and 7.21 ± 1.22 in the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.781). CONCLUSION: This study shows that AS like several other autoimmune conditions has an adverse effect on the female fertility potential. Therefore, an early start and long-term management of AS patients who have fertility desire is recommended. Serum AMH levels can be used in monitoring ovarian reserve and in early detection of reproductive decline of AS patients. CLINICALTRIAL NUMBER: NCT04209881.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the autoimmune effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on the fertility potential of women by evaluating ovarian reserves of AS patients. METHODS: A total of 104 patients, 52 in the AS group (study group) and 52 in the control group were included in the study. Ovarian reserve was evaluated by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC) and baseline serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. RESULTS: The mean serum AMH levels were significantly lower in the study group when compared to the controls (2.203 ± 1.110 vs. 1.188 ± 0.891, p < 0.001). In addition, the mean AFC was also significantly lower in the study group. (10.67 ± 1.81 vs. 9.54 ± 2.50, p = 0.009). Mean FSH levels were calculated to be 6.72 ± 1.14 in the study group and 7.21 ± 1.22 in the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.781). CONCLUSION: This study shows that AS like several other autoimmune conditions has an adverse effect on the female fertility potential. Therefore, an early start and long-term management of AS patients who have fertility desire is recommended. Serum AMH levels can be used in monitoring ovarian reserve and in early detection of reproductive decline of AS patients. CLINICALTRIAL NUMBER: NCT04209881.