Infertility and abnormal cervical mucus in two sisters who are compound heterozygotes for the cystic fibrosis (CF) DeltaF508 and R117H/7T mutations

Fertil Steril. 2008 Oct;90(4):1201.e19-22. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.063. Epub 2008 Sep 7.

Abstract

Objective: To describe two cases of infertile sisters who are compound heterozygote carriers of the cystic fibrosis (CF) DeltaF508 and R117H/7T mutations and who were found to have significantly abnormal cervical mucus.

Design: Case reports and review of literature.

Setting: Infertility practice based in an academic medical center.

Patient(s): Two sisters (ages 34 and 42), compound heterozygote carriers of CF mutations, who presented with involuntary infertility.

Intervention(s): The partners of both patients tested negative for CF. The evaluation of both sisters did not indicate other causes of infertility aside from advanced maternal age in the 42-year-old patient. Both sisters underwent natural-cycle intrauterine insemination.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy conception.

Result(s): The 34-year-old patient has subsequently conceived twice through natural-cycle inseminations.

Conclusion(s): This is the first reported case of infertility due to a cervical mucus factor in a patient who is a compound heterozygote of the DeltaF508 and R117H/7T mutations. This case is important not only because of the distinct phenotypic abnormality seen with specific CF mutations but also because of the associated genotype.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervix Mucus / cytology*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / genetics*
  • Infertility, Female / pathology*
  • Infertility, Female / therapy
  • Live Birth
  • Loss of Heterozygosity / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Pregnancy
  • Siblings
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Cervical Diseases / genetics
  • Uterine Cervical Diseases / pathology*

Substances

  • cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator delta F508
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator