69 Preliminary Results: Prevalence and Pathophysiologic Mechanisms of Amenorrhea Among Women Survivors of the 2014–2016 Ebola Outbreak in Sierra Leone

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: 1. Establish the prevalence of amenorrhea among women Ebola survivors of reproductive age. 2. Determine whether amenorrhea in Ebola survivors is associated with hyperthyroidism, primary ovarian failure, and/or low weight METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study will enroll a cohort of 150 women Ebola survivors and 150 uninfected controls from Kenema, Sierra Leone. Participants will complete women’s health questionnaires with detailed menstruation history and provide blood samples. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and albumin will be measured in order to explore the role of thyroid dysregulation, ovarian failure, and low weight in amenorrhea associated with prior Ebola infection. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Enrollment for the study is still in progress. As of November 14, 2022, 68 female Ebola survivors of reproductive age and 124 uninfected controls have been enrolled. Among this preliminary group, there is a high baseline level of menstrual irregularities in both survivors and controls. Prior to the Ebola outbreak, 97% of all participants reported less than 6 periods per year and 59% reported periods lasting 3 days or less. The prevalence of missed periods increased after the Ebola outbreak in both groups. Four Ebola survivors (5.9%) reported missing periods before infection, compared to 16 (23.5%) survivors after infection. Two uninfected controls (1.6%) reported missing periods before the Ebola outbreak, compared to 12 (9.7%) after the outbreak. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The next steps of this project are to complete enrollment, conduct data analysis, and perform laboratory studies. An enhanced understanding of amenorrhea is needed to develop novel medical interventions, to inform healthcare guidelines and policies, and to develop personalized treatment strategies to better care for women who have survived Ebola.