[Systemic alpha-interferon therapy: a possible method for prevention of testicular atrophy and permanent sterility in...

In postpubertal men orchitis is the most common complication of mumps infection, occurring in 5-37% of this population. A bilateral manifestation is observed in 16-65%. The most important danger is the risk of developing testicular atrophy, which results in sterility. Four patients with bilateral mumps orchitis received systemic treatment with interferon-alpha 2B (3 X 10(6) IU/day) for 7 days. All acute symptoms of mumps orchitis disappeared within 2 or 4 days of hospitalization. During 12-20 months of follow-up no incidence of testicular atrophy was observed. In three of the four patients pretreatment examination revealed subfertility (oligoasthenozoospermia), while 2-4 months after interferon treatment and throughout the entire follow-up period normozoospermia was found. No severe adverse effects occurred during treatment. The flu-like symptoms could be prevented by concomitant administration of paracetamol (3 X 500 mg/day). Systemic treatment with interferon-alpha 2B appears to be highly effective in preventing sterility and testicular atrophy after bilateral mumps orchitis. Further investigations involving larger populations should be performed to confirm the present promising results.