In vitro fertilization as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in a patient with partial 17,20-desmolase deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case with 17,20-desmolase activity deficiency in which in vitro fertilization (IVF) served not only as a therapeutic approach but also as a diagnostic tool for the specificity of the enzymatic deficiency.

DESIGN

IVF in the patient under study compared with a control group. All women treated with pure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

SETTING

IVF program at the Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: A patient with primary amenorrhea, who was the subject under study, and seven normally cycling control patients undergoing IVF in the same series.

INTERVENTIONS

IVF, steroidogenesis in vitro of granulosa-luteal cell obtained at ovum pick-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocyte fertilization and embryo cleavage. Serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), androstendione (A), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). In vitro accumulation of E2 and P.

RESULTS

Ovulation induction with FSH was successful in achieving follicular development despite low circulating E2. Fertilization and cleavage rates were similar to the control subjects. The patient developed ovarian hyperstimulation. The lack of 17,20-desmolase activity was detected by normal P levels in serum and FF, high 17-OHP, and low T, A, and E2 levels in serum and FF. Granulosaluteal cell cultures in the presence of T restored normal E2 and P production in response to gonadotropins.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with 17,20-desmolase deficiency, follicular development, oocyte maturation, and fertilization can take place in a low estrogenic environment.