Serum anti-Müllerian hormone is lower in patients with multiple radioiodine dose for treatment of pediatric thyroid cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of patients with pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) often involves radioiodine (RAI), which is associated with increased risks of short- and long-term adverse outcomes. The impact of RAI treatment on the female reproductive system remains uncertain. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker of ovarian reserve and is related to fertility. Objective: The aim was to analyze the association between RAI and serum AMH level in women treated with RAI. Methods: We evaluated women with pediatric DTC treated with RAI at the age of ≤19 years. Serum AMH was measured. Results: The study included 47 patients with a mean age of 25.1 years (12.4–50.8) at AMH measurement and follow-up of 11.8 ± 8.4 years. The mean RAI administered was 235 mCi (30–1150). Sixteen (34%) received multiple RAI doses (471 ± 215 mCi). Mean AMH level was 2.49 ng/mL (0.01–7.81); the level was 1.57 ng/mL (0.01–7.81) after multiple RAI doses and 2.99 ng/mL (0.01–6.63) after a single RAI dose (P = 0.01). Patients who received a cumulative RAI lower than 200 mCi had higher AMH levels (2.23 ng/mL, 0.39–7.81) than those who received more (1.0 ng/mL, 0.01–6.63; P = 0.02). In patients with similar cumulative RAI activities, administration of multiple RAI doses was significantly and independently associated with AMH level lower than the reference range for age (HR: 5.9, 1.55–52.2, P = 0.014) after age adjustments. Conclusion: Levels of AMH were lower after multiple RAI doses, especially after a cumulative RAI dose above 200 mCi. More studies are needed to clarify the impact of RAI on fertility considering its cumulative activity and treatment strategy.

Keywords

• anti-müllerian hormone
• radiodiodine
• pediatric thyroid cancer