Abstract | PURPOSE: The impact of varicoceles on gonadal function in adolescents has been evaluated using several parameters, including size of testes, hormonal levels and provocative endocrine testing. Inhibin B has been demonstrated to be decreased in men with testicular damage from conditions other than varicocele. We determine whether inhibin B levels are low in adolescent boys with varicocele, and if there is a relationship between inhibin B and an exaggerated response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone ( Gn-RH) stimulation testing, testicular hypertrophy and/or varicocele bilaterality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RESULTS: All patients had essentially normal inhibin B levels for Tanner stage. Of the 9 boys 4 had an exaggerated response to Gn-RH stimulating testing. Inhibin B levels did not vary significantly either with the presence of bilateral or unilateral varicoceles or asymmetric testis. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of correlation between inhibin B levels and the aforementioned parameters failed to suggest that inhibin B has a significant role in the clinical assessment of testicular function in adolescents with varicocele. Further studies of larger populations may further elucidate the value of inhibin B levels and varicoceles.
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Authors | A Carrillo, A Gershbein, K I Glassberg, M Danon |
Journal | The Journal of urology
(J Urol)
Vol. 162
Issue 3 Pt 1
Pg. 875-7
(Sep 1999)
ISSN: 0022-5347 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10458399
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Gonadotropins
- Humans
- Inhibins
(blood)
- Male
- Varicocele
(blood, diagnosis)
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