Plasma Testosterone in Prepubertal Cryptorchid Boys under Long-Term HCG Therapy

Abstract

Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined before and after 6 weeks of human chorionic gonadotropin treatment in 36 prepubertal boys with bilateral or unilateral cryptorchidism. Mean ± SD basal and post-treatment values (ng/l00 ml) in the bilateral group were: treatment successful (n = 14): 32 ± 19 and 302 ± 49, treatment unsuccessful (n = 12): 20 ± 15 and 176 ± 73. The figures for the unilateral group were: treatment successful (n = 6): 23 ± 9 and 244 ± 41, treatment unsuccessful (n = 5): 22 ± 11 and 264 ± 102. In the bilateral group significant differences in the T response emerged when successfully treated boys were compared to unsuccessfully treated ones. It is concluded that Leydig cell function may be impaired in some cases of cryptorchidism.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Treatment in Cryptorchidism

“…In the group of 23 boys with udateral unpalpable testes, none showed a good response following hCG treatment and all were subjected to orchidopexy. In comparison, Attanasio et al (1976), found no difference in the rate of therapeutic success with hCG in boys with unilateral (54%) vs. bilateral undescended testes (55%). The differences between these results and ours may be due to probable heterogeniety of the two groups of patients, and from our very strict selection of patients in order to avoid the inclusion of those with mobile testes.…”

“…Since these changes, if not treated, become irreversible after the age of three years, treatment is suggested before that age. Conservative treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is recommended by many as the treatment of choice for undescended testes with good results in up to 45 percent of treated children (Attanasio et al -1976, Canlorbe et al -1979.…”