Assessment of testicular volume in neonates in the tropical province of China

Shaohua Hu; Zhenli Zhao; Zhisheng Wan; Weizhen Bu; Songqiang Chen; Shuai Yang; Xiaowen Chen; Yiqun Lu

doi:10.1186/s12887-023-04274-w

Assessment of testicular volume in neonates in the tropical province of China

BMC Pediatr. 2023 Sep 2;23(1):438. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04274-w.

Authors

Shaohua Hu¹, Zhenli Zhao², Zhisheng Wan¹, Weizhen Bu¹, Songqiang Chen¹, Shuai Yang³, Xiaowen Chen⁴, Yiqun Lu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Urology, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Changbin Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570206, China.
² Department of Urology, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Changbin Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570206, China. zzl8287@163.com.
³ Department of Ultrasound, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Changbin Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570206, China.
⁴ Department of Pediatric, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Changbin Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570206, China.
⁵ Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No 399, Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China.

Abstract

Background: Testicular volume in neonates is a potential indicator of testicular development during the fetal period, particularly the masculinization programming window. Reliable measurements of testicular volume provide an opportunity for early detection of testicular abnormalities. This study aimed to assess the testicular volume in neonates and evaluate its relationship with gestational week and birth weight in Hainan Province, China.

Methods: Data on 458 neonates who underwent ultrasonography examinations at our institution from 2018 to 2022 were collected. The neonates were categorized by gestational week, birth weight, and presence of cryptorchidism. We evaluated the testicular volume among different groups and its relationship to gestational week and birth weight.

Results: There was no significant difference between the right and left testicular volume in neonates without cryptorchidism. However, a significant difference was observed between normal birth weight and low birth weight neonates in terms of testicular volume. Similarly, there was a significant difference between premature and full-term neonates in testicular volume. Bilateral testicular volume showed positive and significant correlations with gestational week and birth weight. Additionally, a significant difference was noted in testicular volume between the affected side in neonates with cryptorchidism and the same side in normal birth weight full-term neonates.

Conclusions: We established the normal range of testicular volume for neonates in Hainan Province and demonstrated that testicular volume is positively correlated with both birth weight and gestational week. Cryptorchidism also affects testicular volume during the neonatal period, likely due to reduced androgenic exposure in utero, particularly during the masculinization programming window. The findings of this study have significant implications for assessing testis development during fetal development.

Keywords: Cryptorchidism; Low birth weight; Neonates; Premature; Testicular volume.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Birth Weight
China
Cryptorchidism* / diagnostic imaging
Fetal Development
Health Facilities
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Male