title: Primary ovarian failure caused by a solvent containing 2-bromopropane.
abstract: Sixteen Korean female laborers who had been exposed to a cleaning solvent composed mainly of 2-bromopropane developed primary ovarian failure. Histologic findings from these patients' ovaries were similar to those observed in ovarian failure caused by radiation or chemotherapy, i.e., reduced number and developmental arrest of primary follicles, interstitial fibrosis and hyalinization of blood vessels. We followed their clinical course for 2 years and found that two patients recovered normal ovarian function spontaneously: one became pregnant and delivered a normal full-term baby, and the other resumed regular menstrual periods with normal hormonal values. Our observations support the idea that the increasing prevalence of ovarian failure in recent years might be due to an increase in presently unidentified environmental toxic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: K U
authors.initials: KU
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Y T
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012997:Solvents
chemical_list: D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D012997:Solvents; C103736:2-bromopropane