Premature ovarian failure: a systematic review on therapeutic interventions to restore ovarian function and achieve pregnancy

Infertility is an important issue for patients with premature ovarian failu re (POF). Although oocyte donation offers an alternative method to achieve a pregnancy, many patients seek to reproduce with their own gametes. We per formed a literature search to evaluate the possibility of pregnancy followi ng diagnosis, and the additional value of treatment strategies. We found 52 case reports, eight observational studies, nine uncontrolled studies and s even controlled trials. Due to a strong variability in study design, patien t selection and mode of intervention, it was not possible to combine the da ta of the seven studies to perform a meta-analysis, None of the studies sho wed a statistically significant difference between both (or more) study gro ups. Due to a lack of incorporation of a placebo group, preference of any t reatment over no treatment could not be established, Importantly, the colle cted data of observational, uncontrolled and controlled studies indicate th at POF patients still have a 5-10% chance to conceive following diagnosis. Approximately 80% of the reported pregnancies resulted in the birth of a he althy child, There is no evidence that any treatment can enhance this pregn ancy rate.