In a nutshell
This study looked at various markers of ovarian function in women who had experienced recurrent miscarriage.
They found that women with an unexplained cause (idiopathic) of recurrent miscarriage had lower levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol.
Some background
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a condition where a woman has suffered a minimum of 3 consecutive miscarriages at less than 20 weeks gestation. In half of these women, the cause of miscarriage is known and treatment can be offered. In the other half of women recurrent miscarriage is unexplained. It has been suggested that one cause could be decreased ovarian reserve (smaller number remaining eggs). Identifying biological markers may help to identify women at risk of unexplained RM.
Methods & findings
This was a retrospective study. The medical records of 144 women, 66 with unexplained IRM and 77 with explained RM, were included in this study. Hormones important for ovarian function were analyzed. These included anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Women with unexplained RM had lower average levels of AMH (36.5 pg/ml) compared to women with explained RM (42.5 pg/ml). Estradiol levels were also lower in women with unexplained RM (1.2 ng/ml) compared to explained (2.0ng/ml).
The bottom line
This study concluded that AMH and estradiol levels are lower in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage.
The fine print
This study was retrospective. Some key parameters of ovarian function were not available. The number of patients included was low and larger studies are needed.
This study noted an association between AMH and estradiol levels and miscarriage. This does not suggest a cause of unexplained miscarriage.
What’s next?
Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding fertility or miscarriage.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Sep 14, 2016
