Can growth hormone treatment in boys without growth hormone deficiency impair testicular function?
Four young male subjects (age range, 17 4/12 to 25 5/12 years), previously treated with human growth hormone for non-growth hormone-dependent short stature, showed reduced testicular volume and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. They also showed impaired spermatogenesis and altered testicular texture as determined by ultrasonography. No clinical or laboratory finding showed disease associated with testicular dysfunction. An unfavorable gonadal outcome could occur in boys without growth hormone deficiency treated with human growth hormone.
Bertelloni
S
S
Adolescent and Pediatric Endocrine Units, II Pediatric Division, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Baroncelli
G I
GI
Viacava
P
P
Massimetti
M
M
Simi
P
P
Saggese
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D002648:Child; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone