Introduction: A non-invasive test, which could predict the presence of sperm during a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) procedure in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), would be of profound clinical importance. Inhibin B (Inh-B) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have been proposed as direct markers of Sertoli cell function and indirect markers of spermatogenesis.
Methods: A search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through June 2009. Thirty-six different studies reported data on the predictive value of one or more index markers (serum Inh-B: 32 studies, seminal Inh-B: 5 studies, serum AMH: 2 studies, seminal AMH: 4 studies) and were included in the systematic review. Nine studies, which had serum Inh-B as index marker, met the predefined criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.
Results: Serum Inh-B demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.74) and a specificity of 0.83 (CI: 0.64-0.93) for the prediction of the presence of sperm in TESE. When the pre-test probability of 41% was incorporated in a Fagan's nomogram, resulted in a positive post-test probability of 73% and a negative post-test probability of 23% for the presence of sperm in TESE.
Conclusions: Serum Inh-B cannot serve as a stand-alone marker of persistent spermatogenesis in men with NOA. Although limited, evidence on serum AMH and serum/seminal AMH do not support their diagnostic value in men with NOA.