The descriptive epidemiology of congenital and acquired cryptorchidism in a UK infant cohort

Acerini, C; Miles, H; Dunger, D; Ong, K; Hughes, I

HERO ID

699453

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

19542061

HERO ID 699453
In Press No
Year 2009
Title The descriptive epidemiology of congenital and acquired cryptorchidism in a UK infant cohort
Authors Acerini, C; Miles, H; Dunger, D; Ong, K; Hughes, I
Journal Archives of Disease in Childhood
Volume 94
Issue 11
Page Numbers 868-872
Abstract Recent studies in other European countries suggest that the prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism continues to increase. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and natural history of congenital cryptorchidism in a UK centre.<br /><br /> Between October 2001 and July 2008, 784 male infants were born in the prospective Cambridge Baby Growth Study. 742 infants were examined by trained research nurses at birth; testicular position was assessed using standard techniques. Follow-up assessments were completed at ages 3, 12, 18 and 24 months in 615, 462, 393 and 326 infants, respectively.<br /><br /> The prevalence of cryptorchidism at birth was 5.9% (95% CI 4.4% to 7.9%). Congenital cryptorchidism was associated with earlier gestational age (p<0.001), lower birth weight (p<0.001), birth length (p<0.001) and shorter penile length at birth (p<0.0001) compared with other infants, but normal size after age 3 months. The prevalence of cryptorchidism declined to 2.4% at 3 months, but unexpectedly rose again to 6.7% at 12 months as a result of new cases. The cumulative incidence of "acquired cryptorchidism" by age 24 months was 7.0% and these cases had shorter penile length during infancy than other infants (p = 0.003).<br /><br /> The prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism was higher than earlier estimates in UK populations. Furthermore, this study for the first time describes acquired cryptorchidism or "ascending testis" as a common entity in male infants, which is possibly associated with reduced early postnatal androgen activity.
Doi 10.1136/adc.2008.150219
Pmid 19542061
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No