Pregnancy in a woman with congenital generalized lipodystrophy: leptin's vital role in reproduction

Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Feb;119(2 Pt 2):452-455. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31822cecf7.

Abstract

Background: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy is a rare disorder characterized by scant adipose tissue, profound leptin deficiency, and severe insulin resistance, resulting in multiple metabolic derangements, including hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and impaired fecundity.

Case: A young woman with congenital generalized lipodystrophy receiving leptin therapy experienced menarche, conceived spontaneously, and delivered a liveborn male neonate.

Conclusion: Adipose tissue is important to normal female reproductive function. Leptin in particular appears to play a key role in adipose-mediated regulation of fertility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Leptin / therapeutic use*
  • Lipodystrophy / blood
  • Lipodystrophy / congenital
  • Lipodystrophy / drug therapy*
  • Live Birth
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Insulin
  • Leptin