For females in the study, low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) – generally considered the best surrogate lab value for ovarian reserve – were nearly as common. Of 14 females receiving MAC, 13 (93%) had low AMH, as did 6 of 8 (75%) female patients who received RIC.
Individuals with more than one HSCT were excluded, as were those with Fanconi anemia, which itself carries a risk of gonadal failure. The study’s two aims were to investigate gonadal function as well as fertility potential after receipt of either RIC or MAC for HSCT.
Patients were seen by an endocrinologist who assessed testicular volume and assigned a Tanner stage. At age 11 and older, patients’ gonadal function was assessed on an annual basis by obtaining levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone for all patients; female estradiol levels were tracked, as were male testosterone levels.
Assessment of fertility potential required additional laboratory testing: For females, the investigators obtained AMH levels, while for males, semen analysis was coupled with serum levels of inhibin B, an indicator of Sertoli cell function.