Intranasal Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Therapy in Cryptorchid Children

Abstract

The clinical and hormonal response to synthetic intranasal LHRH therapy (3 × 400 μg daily for 28 days) was evaluated in 23 unilateral and nine bilateral cryptorchid children. Complete descent was obtained in 14 cryptorchid testes (34%), whereas in seven testis there was only an improvement in the original position. GnRH test, performed before and after therapy, did not show any significant difference between responder and nonresponder subjects. FSH peak levels, however, decreased in all groups of patients after treatment. LH and FSH levels were monitored before, during (days 7 and 14), and after (day 28) therapy. FSH and LH values increased during therapy both in responders and nonre‐sponders, returning to baseline at the end of the treatment. Testosterone remained constant throughout the period of investigation. The results obtained and the absence of side effects indicate that this therapeutic approach may be seen as the treatment of choice for cryptorchidism.