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  • Abstract: Kallmann x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menopause x
  • Abstract: puberty x
  • Abstract: testes x
  • Abstract: transsexual x
  • Abstract: Turner x
  • Abstract: sperm* x
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Mette H Viuff Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Claus H Gravholt Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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In this commentary, we discuss the state of affairs concerning the clinical care of females with Turner syndrome (TS) in Germany. TS is a rare disease and new international guidelines describe an appropriate setup for optimal clinical care. Several countries have implemented a program with centralized adult Turner syndrome clinics, which are now found in France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, parts of England and possibly other countries, but hitherto not in Germany. Such an approach should ensure the availability of high quality multi-disciplinary care for all women with TS to be treated and to detect all the conditions that have been associated with TS, which typically appear at odd times during the lifetime of a female with TS. Care should be offered at no added cost for the patient, and treatment with relevant drugs should be available at reasonable cost for the individual patient. Currently, it is quite problematic that many female sex hormone preparations are not available at low cost in a number of countries. Additional problems include supply chain issue which lead to patients not being able to buy their usual drug for a certain period of time. We think it is timely that countries improve the care for individuals with rare conditions, such as TS.

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Srdjan Pandurevic Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Ilaria Mancini Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy

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Dimitri Mitselman Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Matteo Magagnoli Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Rita Teglia Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Roberta Fazzeri Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Paola Dionese Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Carolina Cecchetti Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Massimiliamo Caprio Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy

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Costanzo Moretti Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

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Justyna Sicinska Dermatology Clinic of CSK MSWiA Hospital, Warsaw, Poland

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Alessandro Agostini Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Domenica Gazineo Teaching Hospital, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy

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Lea Godino Teaching Hospital, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy

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Ignacio Sajoux Epigenomics in Endocrinology and Nutrition Group, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria (IDIS), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Spain
Medical Department Pronokal Group, Barcelona, Spain

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Flaminia Fanelli Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Cristina M Meriggiola Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy

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Uberto Pagotto Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Alessandra Gambineri Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

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Objective

The aim of this study isto assess the efficacy of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) method vs a Mediterranean low-calorie diet (LCD) in obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women of a reproductive age.

Design

Randomized controlled open-label trial was performed in this study. The treatment period was 16 weeks; VLCKD for 8 weeks then LCD for 8 weeks, according to the Pronokal® method (experimental group; n = 15) vs Mediterranean LCD for 16 weeks (control group; n = 15). Ovulation monitoring was carried out at baseline and after 16 weeks, while a clinical exam, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and biochemical analyses were performed at baseline, at week 8, and at week 16.

Results

BMI decreased significantly in both groups and to a major extent in the experimental group (−13.7% vs −5.1%, P = 0.0003). Significant differences between the experimental and the control groups were also observed in the reduction of waist circumference (−11.4% vs −2.9%), BIA-measured body fat (−24.0% vs −8.1%), and free testosterone (−30.4% vs −12.6%) after 16 weeks (P = 0.0008, P = 0.0176, and P = 0.0009, respectively). Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance significantly decreased only in the experimental group (P = 0.0238) but without significant differences with respect to the control group (−23% vs −13.2%, P > 0.05). At baseline, 38.5% of participants in the experimental group and 14.3% of participants in the control group had ovulation, which increased to 84.6% (P = 0.031) and 35.7% (P > 0.05) at the end of the study, respectively.

Conclusion

In obese PCOS patients, 16 weeks of VLCKD protocol with the Pronokal® method was more effective than Mediterranean LCD in reducing total and visceral fat, and in ameliorating hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction.

Significance statements

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial on the use of the VLCKD method in obese PCOS. It demonstrates the superiority of VLCKD with respect to Mediterranean LCD in reducing BMI with an almost selective reduction of fat mass and a unique effect of VLCKD in reducing visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and in increasing SHBG with a consequent reduction of free testosterone. Interestingly, this study also demonstrates the superiority of the VLCKD protocol in improving ovulation, whose occurrence increased by 46.1% in the group treated by the VLCKD method against a rise of 21.4% in the group treated by Mediterranean LCD. This study extends the therapeutic approach possibilities in obese PCOS women.

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Rossella Cannarella Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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Andrea Crafa Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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Sandro La Vignera Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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Rosita A Condorelli Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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Aldo E Calogero Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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Background

Animal studies suggest that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) may influence the function of the hypothalamus–pituitary–testicular axis, especially in childhood, but the evidence in humans is scanty. Laron syndrome, a human model of IGF1 deficiency, may help to solve this issue.

Purpose

This systematic review aims to analyze puberty onset and progression, testicular volume, gonadotropin, and total testosterone serum levels, sperm parameters and fertility, and penile length in patients with Laron syndrome.

Methods

Specific keywords were used. All data on male patients with Laron syndrome were included.

Results

Seventeen articles matched the inclusion criteria and were entered in the analysis, for a total of 125 male patients. Puberty was absent in 8.9% and delayed in 35.6% of untreated patients of pubertal age. After onset, the duration of the pubertal process was prolonged in 76.9% of untreated patients. The growth spurt was absent in 52.6% and delayed in 31.6% of untreated patients. The testicular volume was small in the two patients who did not receive any treatment. Treatment with IGF1 increased gonadotropin and testosterone serum levels in five out of five patients of pubertal age. No effect was found in four out of four patients younger than 5 years. No study reported data on sperm parameters and fertility. Micropenis occurred in 67.2% of patients.

Conclusion and future perspectives

Delayed puberty is common in patients with Laron syndrome. The growth hormone–IGF1 axis may influence the time of puberty onset. Serum levels of IGF1 should be investigated in children with delayed puberty, scarce progression of testicular growth, and/or micropenis. IGF1 levels might be measured in children with delayed puberty, poor testicular growth, and/or micropenis.

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Elin Kahlert Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Martina Blaschke Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Endokrinologikum Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Knut Brockmann Interdisciplinary Pediatric Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Severe Chronic Disorders, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Clemens Freiberg Interdisciplinary Pediatric Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Severe Chronic Disorders, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Onno E Janssen Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

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Nikolaus Stahnke Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

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Domenika Strik Endokrinologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

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Martin Merkel Endokrinologikum Hannover, Hannover, Germany

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Alexander Mann Endokrinologikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

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Klaus-Peter Liesenkötter Endokrinologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

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Heide Siggelkow Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Endokrinologikum Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Objective

Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by the complete or partial loss of the second sex chromosome and associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations. We aimed to assess the medical care of adult patients with TS in Germany.

Design

Retrospective multicenter observational study.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of 258 women with TS treated between 2001 and 2017 in five non-university endocrinologic centers in Germany.

Results

Mean age was 29.8 ± 11.6 years, mean height 152 ± 7.7 cm, and mean BMI 26.6 ± 6.3 kg/m2. The karyotype was known in 50% of patients. Information on cholesterol state, liver enzymes, and thyroid status was available in 81–98% of women with TS; autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed in 37%. Echocardiography was performed in 42% and cardiac MRI in 8.5%, resulting in a diagnosis of cardiovascular disorder in 28%. Data on growth hormone therapy were available for 40 patients (15%) and data concerning menarche in 157 patients (61%).

Conclusion

In 258 women with TS, retrospective analysis of healthcare data indicated that medical management was focused on endocrine manifestations. Further significant clinical features including cardiovascular disease, renal malformation, liver involvement, autoimmune diseases, hearing loss, and osteoporosis were only marginally if at all considered. Based on this evaluation and in accordance with recent guidelines, we compiled a documentation form facilitating the transition from pediatric to adult care and further medical management of TS patients. The foundation of Turner Centers in March 2019 will improve the treatment of TS women in Germany.

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Caroline Culen University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Diana-Alexandra Ertl University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Katharina Schubert University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Lisa Bartha-Doering University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Gabriele Haeusler University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Turner syndrome (TS), although considered a rare disease, is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in women, with an incident of 1 in 2500 female births. TS is characterized by distinctive physical features such as short stature, ovarian dysgenesis, an increased risk for heart and renal defects as well as a specific cognitive and psychosocial phenotype. Given the complexity of the condition, patients face manifold difficulties which increase over the lifespan. Furthermore, failures during the transitional phase to adult care result in moderate health outcomes and decreased quality of life. Guidelines on the optimal screening procedures and medical treatment are easy to find. However, recommendations for the treatment of the incriminating psychosocial aspects in TS are scarce. In this work, we first reviewed the literature on the cognitive and psychosocial development of girls with TS compared with normal development, from disclosure to young adulthood, and then introduce a psychosocial approach to counseling and treating patients with TS, including recommendations for age-appropriate psychological diagnostics. With this work, we aim to facilitate the integration of emphasized psychosocial care in state-of-the-art treatment for girls and women with TS.

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María Dolores Rodríguez Arnao Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

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Amparo Rodríguez Sánchez Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

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Ignacio Díez López Hospital Universitario Araba, Araba/Alava, Spain

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Joaquín Ramírez Fernández Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain

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Jose Antonio Bermúdez de la Vega Centro Nuevas Tecnologias, Sevilla, Spain

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Diego Yeste Fernández Hospital Vall d’Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain

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María Chueca Guindulain Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

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Raquel Corripio Collado Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain

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Jacobo Pérez Sánchez Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain

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Ana Fernández González Merck S.L.U., Madrid, Spain

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ECOS Spain Study Collaborative Investigator Group
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Background

Non-adherence to r-hGH treatments occurs in a variable percentage of subjects. One problem found when evaluating adherence is the great variability in methods of detection and definitions utilized in studies. This study assessed the level of adherence in subjects receiving r-hGH with the easypodâ„¢ electronic device.

Methods

National, multicenter, prospective and observational study involving 238 subjects (144 with GH deficiency (GHD), and 86 with small for gestational age (SGA), 8 with Turner Syndrome), who received r-hGH with easypodâ„¢ for at least 3 months before inclusion. The follow-up period was 4 years.

Results

Overall adherence was 94.5%; 97.5% after 6 months, 95.3% after 1 year, 93.7% after 2, 94.4% after 3 and 95.5% after 4 years of treatment. No differences in adherence were observed between prepubertal and pubertal groups and GHD and SGA groups. Change in height after 1 and 2 years, change in height SDS after 1 and 2 years, HV after 1 year, HV SDS after at 1 and 4 years, change in BMI after 1 year and change in BMI SDS at 1 and 2 years showed significant correlation with adherence. No significant differences in adherence according to IGF-I levels were found in follow-up visits or between groups.

Conclusions

The easypodâ„¢ electronic device, apart from being a precise and objective measure of adherence to r-hGH treatment, allows high compliance rates to be achieved over long periods of time. Adherence significantly impacts growth outcomes associated with r-hGH treatment.

Open access
Diana-Alexandra Ertl Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Andreas Gleiss Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Katharina Schubert Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Caroline Culen Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Peer Hauck Pediatric Heart Center Vienna, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Johannes Ott Clinic Division for Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Alois Gessl Division of Endocrinology, University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Gabriele Haeusler Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

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Background

Previous studies have shown that only a minority of patients with Turner syndrome (TS) have adequate medical care after transfer to adult care.

Aim of this study

To assess the status of medical follow-up and quality of life (QoL) in adult women diagnosed with TS and followed up until transfer. To compare the subjective and objective view of the medical care quality and initiate improvements based on patients’ experiences and current recommendations.

Methods

39 adult women with TS out of 64 patients contacted were seen for a clinical and laboratory check, cardiac ultrasound, standardized and structured questionnaires (SF-36v2 and Beck depression inventory).

Results

7/39 of the patients were not being followed medically at all. Only 2/39 consulted all the specialists recommended. Comorbidities were newly diagnosed in 27/39 patients; of these, 11 related to the cardiovascular system. Patients in our cohort scored as high as the mean reference population for SF-36v2 in both mental and physical compartments. Obese participants had lower scores in the physical function section, whereas higher education was related to higher physical QoL scores. Adult height slightly correlated positively with physical health.

Conclusion

Medical follow-up was inadequate in our study cohort of adults with TS. Even though their medical follow-up was insufficient, these women felt adequately treated, leaving them vulnerable for premature illness. Initiatives in health autonomy and a structured transfer process as well as closer collaborations within specialities are urgently needed.

Open access
Ping Li Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

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Fei Cheng Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

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Lei Xiu Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

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Objective

This study sought to determine the effect of the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment of Turner syndrome (TS) on height outcome.

Methods

We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A literature search identified 640 records. After screening and full-text assessment, 11 records were included in the systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. We also assessed the quality of evidence with the GRADE system.

Results

Compared with controls, rhGH therapy led to increased final height (MD = 7.22 cm, 95% CI 5.27–9.18, P < 0.001, I2 = 4%; P = 0.18), height standard deviation (HtSDS) (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.56, P < 0.001, I2 = 49%; P = 0.14) and height velocity (HV) (MD 2.68 cm/year; 95% CI 2.34, 3.02; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; P = 0.72). There was a small increase in bone age (SMD 0.32 years; 95% CI 0.1, 0.54; P = 0.004, I2 = 73%; P = 0.02) after rhGH therapy for 12 months. What is more, the rhGH/oxandrolone combination therapy suggested greater final height (MD 2.46 cm; 95% CI 0.73, 4.18; P = 0.005, I2 = 32%; P = 0.22), increase and faster HV (SMD 1.67 cm/year; 95% CI 1.03, 2.31; P < 0.03, I2 = 80%; P < 0.001), with no significant increase in HtSDS and bone maturation compared with rhGH therapy alone.

Conclusions

For TS patients, rhGH alone or with concomitant use of oxandrolone treatment had advantages on final height.

Open access
Andre Madsen Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Anders Juul Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Lise Aksglaede Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Objective

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder and genetic cause of infertility in males. A highly variable phenotype contributes to the fact that a large proportion of cases are never diagnosed. Typical hallmarks in adults include small testes and azoospermia which may prompt biochemical evaluation that typically shows extremely high follicle-stimulating hormone and low/undetectable inhibin B serum concentrations. However, in prepubertal KS individuals, biochemical parameters are largely overlapping those of prepubertal controls. We aimed to characterize clinical profiles of prepubertal boys with KS in relation to controls and to develop a novel biochemical classification model to identify KS before puberty.

Methods

Retrospective, longitudinal data from 15 prepubertal boys with KS and data from 1475 controls were used to calculate age- and sex-adjusted standard deviation scores (SDS) for height and serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and used to infer a decision tree classification model for KS.

Results

Individual reproductive hormones were low but within reference ranges and did not discriminate KS from controls. Clinical and biochemical profiles including age- and sex-adjusted SDS from multiple reference curves provided input data to train a ‘random forest’ machine learning (ML) model for the detection of KS. Applied to unseen data, the ML model achieved a classification accuracy of 78% (95% CI, 61–94%).

Conclusions

Supervised ML applied to clinically relevant variables enabled computational classification of control and KS profiles. The application of age- and sex-adjusted SDS provided robust predictions irrespective of age. Specialized ML models applied to combined reproductive hormone concentrations may be useful diagnostic tools to improve the identification of prepubertal boys with KS.

Open access
D Santi Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

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A R M Granata Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

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M Simoni Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

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Introduction

The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate whether FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples improves pregnancy rate, spontaneously and/or after assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

Methods

Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials in which FSH was administered for male idiopathic infertility, compared with placebo or no treatment. Randomization was not considered as an inclusion criterion.

Results

We found 15 controlled clinical studies (614 men treated with FSH and 661 treated with placebo or untreated). Concerning the type of FSH, eight studies used recombinant FSH, whereas seven studies used purified FSH. Nine studies evaluated spontaneous pregnancy rate, resulting in an overall odds ratio (OR) of about 4.5 (CI: 2.17–9.33). Eight studies evaluated pregnancy rate after ART, showing a significant OR of 1.60 (CI: 1.08–2.37). Sub-dividing studies according to the FSH preparations (purified/recombinant), pregnancy rate improvement remained significant for each preparation. Eleven studies considered sperm quality after FSH treatment, finding a significant improvement of sperm concentration (2.66×106/ml, CI: 0.47–4.84), but not of concentration of sperm with progressive motility (1.22×106/ml, CI: −0.07 to 2.52). Three trials evaluated testicular volume, showing a non-significant increase in men treated (1.35 ml, CI: −0.44 to 3.14).

Conclusion

The results of controlled clinical trials available in the literature indicate an improvement of pregnancy rate after FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples, both spontaneously and after ART. However, the heterogeneity of studies, the high risk of bias and the lack of precise criteria to guide FSH administration limit the strength of these results. Future studies should be designed to identify the markers of FSH response which are helpful in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, the use of FSH in the treatment of male infertility should be cautious.

Open access