Systemic Sclerosis Linked to Higher Risk of Early Ovarian Failure in Women: Study Finds
Taiwan: Women diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc) face a significantly higher risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), a new study suggests, highlighting the need for early ovarian evaluation in this population.
Researchers found that women with SSc had a 1.6-fold increased likelihood of developing POI compared to their peers without the autoimmune condition, with the risk particularly pronounced among those aged 30 to 40 years.
The study, published in Rheumatology by James Cheng-Chung Wei from the Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, and colleagues, analyzed health data from 6,417 women aged 20–40 diagnosed with SSc. Using data from the US Collaborative Network in TriNetX, the researchers compared these patients to an equal number of age- and comorbidity-matched controls. Propensity score matching ensured that factors such as medications and other health conditions affecting ovarian function were accounted for, providing a robust comparison between the two groups.
Key Findings:
- Women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) had a 60% higher risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) compared to matched controls (HR 1.6).
- The increased risk was consistent across racial groups, affecting both white and black women.
- Women with SSc aged 30–40 had an even higher risk, with an 80% greater likelihood of developing POI (HR 1.8).
These findings suggest that systemic sclerosis may contribute to early ovarian aging or dysfunction, a factor that could have significant implications for fertility and long-term health outcomes.
Premature ovarian insufficiency is associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Despite this, data on the link between SSc and POI have been limited until now. “Our study underscores the importance of proactively monitoring ovarian function in women with systemic sclerosis,” the authors noted. Early identification of ovarian compromise could allow for timely interventions, potentially preserving fertility and improving overall quality of life.
The research emphasizes that clinicians managing women with SSc should integrate ovarian health assessments into routine care, especially for those entering their 30s. Routine evaluations may include hormonal testing and reproductive counseling, providing women with a clearer understanding of their reproductive timeline and potential health risks.
The large-scale retrospective cohort study represents one of the most comprehensive evaluations of the relationship between systemic sclerosis and premature ovarian insufficiency. By leveraging a worldwide dataset spanning nearly two decades, the researchers provide compelling evidence that SSc is not only a condition affecting the skin and internal organs but may also have substantial implications for reproductive health.
"The study highlights a previously under-recognized risk of early ovarian failure in women with SSc, calling for heightened awareness and proactive management. Early intervention and regular monitoring could help mitigate the impact of POI, enhancing the long-term well-being of women living with systemic sclerosis," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Dai, L., Wang, Y., Zeng, L., Wei, J. C., & Mu, R. Association of systemic sclerosis with risk of premature ovarian insufficiency: A retrospective cohort study. Rheumatology. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaf479
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