[The application of gonadotropin in treatment of male central hypogonadism].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and hCG plus human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) for central hypogonadism in male patients.


METHODS
64 men with central hypogonadism were recruited in this study, including 19 patients with Kallmann syndrome, 41 patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) and 4 patients with hypogonadism after brain surgery. 33 patients were treated with hCG 1500 IU intramuscularly twice a week, whereas 31 patients were treated with intramuscular hCG 1500 IU plus HMG 75 IU twice a week, for at least 6 months.


RESULTS
After treatment, all patients felt stronger physically and 42/64 patients developed beard, pubes or armpit hair. The testis volume enlarged significantly [(3.08 +/- 2.44) ml vs (8.92 +/- 5.37) ml, P < 0.001], and serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations were higher significantly than those before treatment (P < 0.05). 6/64 patients underwent spermatorrhea and 2 patient were found to have spermatogenesis. If judged by the testis volume, 52 patients (81.2%) were effective and 12 patients were ineffective.


CONCLUSIONS
For male patients with the central hypogonadism, hCG and hCG plus HMG can promote the pubertal development and maturation of second sex characteristics, as well as enhance the physical strength; in some patients both androgen production and spermatogenesis can be achieved.
Di
Fu-song
FS
Department of Endocrinology and Key Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Cui
Yu-gui
YG
Jia
Yue
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D008596:Menotropins