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Testicular function in postpubertal patients with growth hormone deficiency: A prospective controlled study
Rossella Cannarella1,2, Andrea Crafa1, Sabrina Sapienza1
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology
|February 3, 2025
Summary
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in post-pubertal males is linked to impaired testicular function, including reduced sperm parameters and testicular volume. Early evaluation of testicular growth and function in GHD is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Recombinant human growth hormone (GH) treatment impacts testicular growth in children with GH deficiency (GHD).
- Limited data exists on testicular function in post-pubertal GHD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate testicular function in post-pubertal patients with GHD.
Main Methods:
- Assessed serum gonadotropins, total testosterone (TT), sperm parameters, and testicular volume (TV) via ultrasound in 26 GHD patients (age >16) and 25 controls.
- Excluded patients with conditions affecting testicular function.
Main Results:
- GHD patients showed no difference in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or TT levels compared to controls.
- GHD patients exhibited lower semen volume, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, and higher oligozoospermia rates.
- GHD patients had significantly lower testicular volume and a higher prevalence of testicular hypotrophy.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of mildly impaired sperm parameters and testicular volume in post-pubertal GHD patients.
- GH-IGF1 axis integrity during prepuberty is crucial for adult testicular function.
- Monitoring testicular growth and sperm parameters in GHD children and post-pubertal boys is advised.
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