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Prenatal virilization associated with paternal testosterone gel therapy.
Anisha Patel1, Scott A Rivkees
1Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale Child Health Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Prenatal virilization occurred in a female infant from unintentional exposure to topical testosterone gel. This case highlights risks of secondary exposure, even before birth, affecting male and female infants.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Transdermal testosterone gels are prescribed for male hypoandrogenism.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about virilization from secondary exposure in children.
- Prenatal virilization from such exposure was previously undocumented.
Observation:
- A female infant experienced prenatal virilization.
- This was linked to unintentional secondary maternal exposure to the father's topical testosterone gel.
- Her twin sister showed postnatal virilization.
Findings:
- The study reports the first documented case of prenatal virilization due to secondary testosterone gel exposure.
- Both prenatal and postnatal virilization were observed in twin female infants.
- This demonstrates potential risks to fetuses and neonates.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of unintended exposure to topical testosterone medications.
- Suggests the need for increased awareness and precautions for families using these products.
- Underscores the importance of considering environmental hormone exposure in pediatric endocrine cases.
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