Ovarian failure following abdominal irradiation in childhood

Abstract

Summary.-Ovarian function was studied in 18 female patients treated for abdominal tumours during childhood. All received abdominal radiotherapy as part of their treatment and were studied between 1 and 26 years after irradiation. The serum gonadotrophins and oestradiol levels were consistent with ovarian failure in each case but there was a disproportionate elevation in serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) when compared to serum luteinizing hormone (LH) in 16. In 2 patients, the radiotherapeutic field extended downwards only as far as the sacral promontory. However, these 2 girls show similar evidence of ovarian failure to that in the other 16.

Risk of ovarian failure and fertility preserving methods in girls and adolescents with a malignant disease

“…33,34 Table 2 shows the risk of ovarian failure after radiation therapy, cranial as well as abdominal, for a malignancy in childhood. Whenever possible, the diagnoses and total dose received are quoted.…”

Disorders of the Endocrine System Due to Radiation and Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

“…Shalet et al (1976a) described amenorrhoea, infertility and high gonadotrophin levels in 18 females who had received between 2000-3000 cGy (over 25-44 d) during childhood. Himelstein-Braw et al (1977) studied the morphological changes in the irradiated ovaries from young girls who died of malignant disease.…”

Endocrine Consequences of Treatment of Malignant Disease in Childhood: A Review

“…However, very little data existed concerning ovarian function following abdominal irradiation in childhood. We studied ovarian function in 18 females who received abdominal irradiation (2000-3000 rad over 25-44 days) during childhood for various nongonadal tumours, predominantly nephroblastoma (Shalet, Beardwell, Morris Jones, Pearson & Orrell 1976). Twelve of the 18 are aged 13 years or over and none is currently menstruating.…”