Abstract
In boys with cryptorchidism older than 2 years a testicular biopsy at time of orchiopexy shows lack of germ cells in 10-40% of the cases. The number of spermatogonia per tubule is prognostic for subsequent fertility potential. A biopsy without germ cells is associated with 33-100% risk of infertility. In order to increase the number of germ cells, and thereby the fertility potential, additional hormonal therapy has been attempted before surgery. In a study, small doses of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue buserelin before orchiopexy caused higher values. Others have found that hormonal treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin or gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue may harm the germ cells in cryptorchidism. The aim of the study is to demonstrate that additional hormonal therapy with erythropoietin has a positive effect on the number of germ cells.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Hormone Research |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 41-5 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| ISSN | 0301-0163 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2001 |
Keywords
- Cryptorchidism
- Erythropoietin
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Reference Values
- Risk Factors
- Sperm Count
- Spermatogonia
- Spermatozoa