Intranasal LH-RH treatment of cryptorchidism

Lee, Kyu Seung; Chung, Kee Hyun; Kim, Kwang Myung; Choi, Hwang; Kim, Si Whang

Abstract

The effect of intranasal luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) on cryptorchidism was investigated in 15 prepubertal boys with 26 undescended testes. Eleven patients were bilateral cryptorchidism. Boys with retractile testes, ectopic testes or palpable hernia, as well as boys who had chromosomal abnormalities were excluded from admission to the study. Synthetic LH-RH (Cryptocurs) was applied as nasal spray at a dose of 1.2mg daily over a period of 4 weeks. Testicular position and mobility were assessed independently by two investigator before and after 4 and I6 weeks of therapy. Testicular descent into the scrotum occurred in 5(19%) and partial descent in 10 testes (38%). Descended testes were bilateral cryptorchidism and located below the inguinal area in all cases. Follow-up examination 4 months after therapy showed no relapse. No side effects were observed. Overviewing the literature and regarding our own results, we believe that LH-RH has a place in the treatment of cryptorchidism. In the treatment of the more caudally positioned and bilateral undescended testes, it can be beneficial, because of the potential merits of avoiding an operation and the small number of minor side effects.