Endocrine outcome and seminal parameters in young adult men born with hypospadias: A cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias affects around 1/200 newborn males. Intrauterine testicular dysfunction may underlie a subset of cases. The long-term endocrine and reproductive outcomes in these men remain largely unknown. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in Ghent and Vienna University Hospitals to assess the endocrine and seminal parameters of young adult men (16-21 years) born with non-syndromic hypospadias (NSH) (n = 193) compared to healthy typical males (n = 50). Assessments included physical exam, semen analysis, hormone assays and exome-based gene panel analysis (474 genes). FINDINGS: All participants had experienced a spontaneous puberty, in spite of higher LH and INSL3 levels than typical males. Oligo- or azoospermia was observed in 32/172 (18·6%; 99%-CI: 12·2-27·4%) of NSH men; but in 5/16 (31·3%; 99%-CI: 11·1;62·4%) of complex NSH men and in 13/22 (59·1%; 99%-CI: 33·2-80·7%) of those born small for gestational age (SGA). No (likely) pathogenic coding variants were found in the investigated genes. Suboptimal statural growth affected 8/23 (34·8%; 99%-CI: 15·4-61·0%) of men born SGA with NSH. INTERPRETATION: Spermatogenesis is significantly compromised in NSH men, especially in those born SGA or those with complex NSH. Long-term andrological follow-up is recommended, including end-pubertal semen analysis. No clear monogenic causes could be demonstrated in our cohort even in proximal or complex NSH. Being born SGA with NSH is frequently associated with poor catch-up growth, requiring growth hormone therapy in some. FUNDING: Research grants from the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology, the Belgian Society of Pediatrics, the Belgian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

Adolescent and Young Adult Urogenital Outcome following Childhood Hypospadias Repair: Perfection Revisited.

PURPOSE: We assessed the long-term surgical, functional urinary and sexual outcomes of adolescent and young adult men who underwent childhood hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men born with nonsyndromic hypospadias and healthy male controls aged 16-21 years old were recruited, and their surgical, urinary, sexual functional and aesthetic outcomes assessed. Good outcome was defined as a patent and orthotopic meatus without fistulas, and straight erections (<30 degree curvature) without erectile or ejaculatory problems. Statistics included regression analyses, chi-square/Fisher exact tests and Student's t/Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients and 50 controls participated 16.4 years (range 8.2-21.2) after initial repair. At least 1 reintervention was performed in 39.2%. The highest reintervention rate was found in those younger than 12 months at initial repair, even when excluding proximal hypospadias cases. A disturbed urinary and/or suboptimal sexual functional outcome was seen in 52.9% of cases. Suboptimal voiding was found in 22.1%, although few had relevant residual urine. More reinterventions and proximal hypospadias cases were associated with suboptimal urinary outcome, and the latter also with impaired sexual function. Poor inter-observer agreements were found between physician and patient genital appraisal. CONCLUSIONS: In 52.9% of cases, at least 1 concern was identified that required long-term followup. Hypospadias repair below 12 months was associated with more reinterventions. Adopting a restrictive attitude toward aesthetic refinement, unless on the patient's own request, could improve urinary outcomes.

Mirabegron in Overactive Bladder and Its Role in Exit Strategy After Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Children.

PURPOSE: Mirabegron is a recent addition to the management options of overactive bladder (OAB) in children. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the role of Mirabegron in the treatment algorithm of therapy-resistant OAB especially after botulinum toxin. METHODS: Case notes of all children receiving Mirabegron between July 2017 and February 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty one children (21 females, 20 males), mean age 12.6 [8-17] years old, commenced Mirabegron: 35 idiopathic OAB, 6 neuropathic OAB. The mean duration of treatment was 20.7 [3-45] months. In total 24 (59%) had Mirabegron after partial/no response to anticholinergics, and 17 (41%) patients had Mirabegron subsequent to botulinum toxin A (BtA) as an exit strategy. In total 35 (85%) patients had combination therapy (Mirabegron and anticholinergics), and 6 (15%) patients had Mirabegron only. Fourteen (34%) had complete response, 17 (41%) had partial response, and 10 (24%) had no response. Side effects were reported in 7 (17%) patients with discontinuation necessitated in 3. CONCLUSION: Mirabegron when used alone or in combination with anticholinergics resulted in complete/partial response in 76% of anticholinergic therapy-resistant OAB. In addition to being an important step in treatment escalation after no/partial response to anticholinergics, it has a crucial role in the exit strategy for recurring symptoms after BtA wears off.

Psychosexual Outcome, Sexual Function, and Long-Term Satisfaction of Adolescent and Young Adult Men After Childhood Hypospadias Repair.

BACKGROUND: The psychosexual outcome in adolescents and young adults (AYA) men born with hypospadias is precarious. However, the factors responsible for impaired outcome in some AYA men have been understudied. AIM: To explore the outcome after hypospadias repair in childhood of AYA men aged 16-21 years and examine their opinion and their parents' opinion about this type of surgery. METHODS: Cross-sectional assessment of 193 AYA men born with hypospadias and 50 male controls was performed. Questionnaires such as the Decision Regret Scale, Pediatric Penile Perception Score, Sexual Quality of Life-Male, International Index of Erectile Function, and a custom-made questionnaire were used. The Decision Regret Scale and a custom-made questionnaire were also completed by the participants' parents. Physical examination including Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation and measuring stretched penile length was performed. OUTCOMES: This study reports the psychosexual functioning (ie, social, relational, and sexual), erectile and sexual function after childhood hypospadias repair, using ad hoc measures. In addition, the opinion about hypospadias repair of patients and their parents is represented. RESULTS: The number of surgeries and satisfaction regarding penile appearance were the most important factors associated with the opinion on hypospadias repair and the psychosexual outcome. Most AYA men were more satisfied with their penile appearance than the physician. 80% of men were satisfied with having had a childhood hypospadias repair, even though they had not been able to consent to surgery themselves. Erectile and ejaculation problems were mild and seen in approximately 10% of the population. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Based on our data, deferring hypospadias repair until the patient can decide himself is not warranted. However, physicians who accept a suboptimal esthetic outcome and withdraw from repeated surgery may contribute importantly to the patient's well-being, especially in proximal forms of hypospadias. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is one of the rare studies addressing the AYA's psychosexual outcome after childhood hypospadias repair. Strengths include the combination of clinical and psychosexual data from a very large cohort of men and their parents to provide a more holistic view. By entering this study, participants might have a different comfort level regarding their sexuality or have a different body image than the overall population of young men. CONCLUSION: Uncomplicated hypospadias surgery results in equal psychosexual outcome as controls and in high satisfaction rates; multiple surgeries are a risk factor for poorer outcomes. 80% of men are satisfied with childhood hypospadias repair. Tack LJW, Springer A, Riedl S, et al. Psychosexual Outcome, Sexual Function, and Long-Term Satisfaction of Adolescent and Young Adult Men After Childhood Hypospadias Repair. J Sex Med 2020;17:1665-1675.

Does open reduction of the developmental dislocated hip increase the risk of osteonecrosis?

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is one of the main complications associated with treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH). The reported rates of ON vary widely between 6% and 48%, suggesting varying factors in these studies influence the rate. Several studies suggest open reduction combined with femoral shortening provides protection against ON. However, it is unclear whether confounders such as failed Pavlik harness treatment, preliminary traction, closed versus open reduction, and redislocation influence the rate of ON. QUESTIONS/PURPOSE: We therefore asked whether open reduction with concomitant osteotomies without femoral shortening, redislocation, and secondary surgical procedures for residual acetabular dysplasia influenced the rate of ON. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 64 children (78 hips) hospitalized with developmental dislocation of the hip between January 1998 and February 2007. Patients younger than 12 months were treated with closed or open reduction. Open reduction combined with concomitant pelvic and femoral osteotomies was performed in patients past walking age. ON was diagnosed from radiographs obtained at last followup. We used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors for the development of ON. The minimum followup was 3.2 years (mean, 6.8 years; range, 3.2-11.5 years). RESULTS: The overall rate of ON was 40%. Patients who underwent open reduction combined with concomitant osteotomies, experienced redislocation, or required secondary reconstructive procedures after initial reduction were at higher risk for having ON develop. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate early reduction of the dislocated hip in the first year of life to avoid the need for concomitant osteotomies combined with open reduction.