[Androgen test: comparison of a low test and a high test in the development of the penis in male pseudohermaphroditism].
BACKGROUND
The androgen sensitivity test used in male pseudohermaphroditism for clinical assessment of the androgen sensitivity and prediction of penile development is an important element in choice of gender. However, there is a wide range of testosterone dosage and no standardized test.


METHODS
Two doses (2.5 mg and 100 mg) of testosterone heptylate were used in six cases of male pseudohermaphrodism with sexual ambiguity and small penis (ages 6 to 18 months). The clinical results were compared with those of the study of androgen receptors.


RESULTS
In two cases, both low-dose and high-dose tests resulted in only minimal changes in the penis. In two cases, the low-dose test gave a good result which was confirmed by the high-dose test; on the other hand, in two cases, the low-dose test was considered to be negative whereas the high-dose test led to the development of a normal-sized penis. In all cases except one, there was good concordance between the results of study of androgen receptors and those of the clinical test.


CONCLUSIONS
The high-dose androgen test is thus useful in both diagnosis and treatment and facilitates the gender assignment.
Wakim
S
S
Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique et de génétique médicale, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France.
Tauber
M T
MT
Pienkowski
C
C
Sultan
C
C
Rochiccioli
P
P
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D013739:Testosterone; C004648:testosterone enanthate