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Penile length of term newborn infants in multiracial Malaysia
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia. thting@media.upm.edu.my
Introduction:
Micropenis may be an important sign of underlying hypogonadism or pituitary hypofunction in the neonatal period. Penile lengths of normal newborns have been reported in many Western populations. However, the data may not be applicable in the Asian or the multiracial Malaysian population. Our study aimed to establish the normal penile length and testicular volume in term newborn infants in the major ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Methods:
The stretched penile length and testicular volume were measured in 340 normal term newborn infants (195 Malays, 129 Chinese and 16 Indians).
Results:
The mean penile length in Malay term newborn infants was 35 +/- 4 mm, which was similar to Chinese infants. The mean testicular volume was 2.5 +/- 0.6 ml in Malay and 2.4 +/- 0.5 ml in Chinese infants. There was no significant difference between the groups. The sample size for the Indian group during the study period was inadequate.
Conclusion:
Using -2.5 standard deviations as the cut-off for micropenis, a Malay or Chinese newborn infant in Malaysia with a penile length of less than 25 mm is considered to have a micropenis and further evaluation is warranted.
Insights
Normal penile length in Malaysian newborns is established, with less than 25 mm indicating potential micropenis requiring further evaluation. This data is crucial for diagnosing neonatal hypogonadism in diverse ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal endocrinology
- Pediatric urology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Micropenis can signify neonatal hypogonadism or pituitary issues.
- Existing penile length data from Western populations may not apply to Malaysian newborns.
- Establishing local reference data is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal penile length and testicular volume in Malaysian term newborns.
- To compare these measurements across major ethnic groups in Malaysia.
- To provide a reference for identifying micropenis in the local population.
Main Methods:
- Stretched penile length and testicular volume were measured.
- 340 normal term newborn infants were studied.
- Measurements were taken in Malay, Chinese, and Indian infants.
Main Results:
- Mean penile length was 35 +/- 4 mm in Malay and similar in Chinese infants.
- Mean testicular volume was 2.5 +/- 0.6 ml (Malay) and 2.4 +/- 0.5 ml (Chinese).
- No significant ethnic differences were observed; Indian sample size was insufficient.
Conclusions:
- A penile length below 25 mm in Malay or Chinese Malaysian newborns suggests micropenis.
- This threshold, based on -2.5 standard deviations, aids in early diagnosis.
- Further evaluation is warranted for infants identified with potential micropenis.
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