Prepubertal serum inhibin B in cryptorchid infants and in monorchid boys with compensatory testicular hypertrophy

Gaudino, Rossella; Cavarzere, Paolo; Camilot, Marta; Teofoli, Francesca; Zampieri, Nicola; Tatò, Luciano

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.10.017

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Volume 90, Issue 6 , Pages 2217-2221, December 2008

Prepubertal serum inhibin B in cryptorchid infants and in monorchid boys with compensatory testicular hypertrophy

Rossella Gaudino, M.D.
- Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Reprint requests: Rossella Gaudino, M.D., Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Piazzale L. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy (FAX: 39-045-8124790).
Paolo Cavarzere, M.D.
- Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Marta Camilot, M.D.
- Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Francesca Teofoli, M.D.
- Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Nicola Zampieri, M.D.
- Pediatric Surgery Department, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Luciano Tatò, M.D.
- Mother and Child, Biology–Genetics Department, Division of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

Received 21 August 2007; received in revised form 10 October 2007; accepted 16 October 2007. published online 14 January 2008.

Objective

To investigate the prepubertal serum inhibin B levels in monorchid boys with compensatory testicular hypertrophy (CTH) and in surgically treated cryptorchid boys with normal testicular volume.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Pediatric Division, University of Verona, Italy.

Patient(s)

Thirty-two prepubertal boys: 11 monorchids with CTH and 21 cryptorchids. For comparison we analyzed 15 healthy boys.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

All patients underwent a GnRH agonist test. Inhibin B measurement was performed at basal time.

Result(s)

There was a significant difference in mean testicular volume between monorchid and cryptorchid or healthy children, with boys with CTH evidencing larger testicle volume. There was no significant difference in inhibin B levels between boys with CTH and cryptorchid, but the levels were significantly lower in both groups than in the control group. Boys with CTH had significantly higher serum levels of basal FSH than children with cryptorchid. The FSH peak response to GnRH agonist stimulation was significantly higher in boys with CTH than in those with cryptorchid.

Conclusion(s)

Monorchid infants with CTH showed low inhibin B and high FSH levels. Our finding may confirm the hypothesis that CTH is unable to prevent testicular insufficiency in adulthood. We suggest an early hormonal evaluation of boys with CTH at puberty, together with early sperm analysis.

Key Words: Inhibin B, FSH, testicular volume (TV), compensatory testicular hypertrophy (CTH), prepubertal monorchids, cryptorchidism