Prevalence of the triple X syndrome in phenotypically normal women with premature ovarian failure and its association with autoimmune thyroid disorders

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of triple X femailes among patients with premature ovarian failure and to describe the clinical features of the syndrome. Design: Case report. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Patient(s): Fifty-two consecutive patients with secondary amenorrhea due to premature ovarian failure and no clinical stigmata of Turner's syndrome. Main outcome measure(s): Triple X syndrome and clinical features, as assessed by karyotype analysis using Giemsa trypsin banding of metaphase chromosomes. Result(s): Two of the 52 patients with premature ovarian failure had triple X syndrome. Both cases had associated autoimmune thyroid disorder. One of the women with triple X syndrome had two pregnancies that were complicated by premature birth, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, neonatal death, and occipital encephalocoele. Conclusion(s): Among patients with premature ovarian failure, 3.8% have triple X syndrome. The syndrome may be associated with autoimmune thyroid disorder and poor pregnancy outcome due to congenital malformation.