scholarly journals A history of cryptorchidism is associated with impaired testicular function in early adulthood: a cross-sectional study of 6376 men from the general population

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1765-1780
Author(s):  
Trine Koch ◽  
Ann H Hansen ◽  
Lærke Priskorn ◽  
Jørgen H Petersen ◽  
Elisabeth Carlsen ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is there a difference in testicular function in early adulthood between men born with cryptorchidism and men born with normally descended testes? SUMMARY ANSWER In men from the general population, a history of cryptorchidism was associated with lower total testis volume and impaired semen quality as well as altered serum levels of reproductive hormones. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The association between cryptorchidism and testicular function is well documented in studies based on sub-fertile or infertile men recruited from a clinical setting. However, the association has not previously been investigated in men from the general population, who were unselected regarding fertility status. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cross-sectional population-based study of 6376 young Danish men examined from 1996 to 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study is based on young men from the greater Copenhagen area, Denmark (median age of 19 years) who were unselected regarding fertility status and semen quality. The young men delivered a semen sample, had a blood sample drawn and underwent a physical examination including assessment of testis volume. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding cryptorchidism at birth, current lifestyle and their mother’s pregnancy, after consulting their mother. The differences in markers of testicular function, including testis volume, semen parameters and reproductive hormones between men with and without a history of cryptorchidism were investigated with multiple linear regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The participation rate was 24% for the entire study period. Overall, a history of cryptorchidism was associated with reduced testicular function. In the adjusted models, a history of cryptorchidism was associated with a 3.5 ml lower total testis volume, determined by orchidometer (P < 0.001), 28% lower sperm concentration (95% CI: −37 to −20) and 26% lower inhibin B/FSH ratio (95% CI: −50 to −22) compared to men without a history of cryptorchidism, suggesting a reduced spermatogenetic capacity. Men with a history of cryptorchidism also had a slightly reduced Leydig cell function expressed as a 6% lower testosterone/LH ratio (95% CI: −12 to −0.7). The significant effect sizes and different markers of testicular function pointing in the same direction across the different models based on a large sample size support that the results are not chance findings. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Information on cryptorchidism at birth and treatment modus was obtained by retrospective self-report, and each participant only delivered one semen sample. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results suggest that men with a history of cryptorchidism could be at increased risk of experiencing fertility problems. However, among these men there is a wide variation in semen quality and further research is needed in order to identify the subgroup of boys born with cryptorchidism who are at the greatest risk of impaired semen quality when reaching adulthood. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received financial support from the Research fund of Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital; the European Union (Contract numbers BMH4-CT96-0314, QLK4-CT-1999-01422, QLK4-CT-2002-00603. FP7/2007-2013, DEER Grant agreement no. 212844); the Danish Ministry of Health; the Danish Environmental Protection Agency; A.P. Møller and wife Chastine McKinney Møllers Foundation; and Svend Andersens Foundation. None of the founders had any role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of the paper or publication decisions. The authors have nothing to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

QJM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 411-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Elis ◽  
M Leventer-Roberts ◽  
A Bachrach ◽  
N Lieberman ◽  
R Durst ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an under-diagnosed condition. Aim We applied standard laboratory criteria across a large longitudinal electronic medical record database to describe cross-sectional population with possible FH. Methods A cross-sectional study of Clalit Health Services members. Subjects who met the General Population MED-PED laboratory criteria, excluding: age <10 years, documentation of thyroid, liver, biliary or autoimmune diseases, a history of chronic kidney disease stage 3 or greater, the presence of urine protein >300 mg/l, HDL-C>80 mg/dl, active malignancy or pregnancy at the time of testing were considered possible FH. Demographic and clinical characteristics are described at time of diagnosis and at a single index date following diagnosis to estimate the burden on the healthcare system. The patient population is also compared to the general population. Results The study cohort included 12 494 subjects with out of over 4.5 million members of Clalit Health Services. The estimated prevalence of FH in Israel was found to be 1:285. These patients are notably positive for, and have a family history of, cardiovascular disease and risk factors. For most of them the LDL-C levels are not controlled, and only a quarter of them are medically treated. Conclusions By using the modified MED-PED criteria in a large electronic database, patients with possible FH can be identified enabling early intervention and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-101
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ullah ◽  
Suman Kumar Saha ◽  
Md Toufiqur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdul Karim ◽  
Rashid Ahmed

Background: Incidence of noncommunicable disease, specially cardiovascular diseases, is increasing in Bangladesh. Prevalence of risk factors in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has been studied in different tertiary hospitals and institutes. This study was done in a secondary hospital with a patient population mainly of low socioeconomic condition and was compared with other patient groups of the country and Indian subcontinent. Methods: this cross sectional study was conducted in Manikganj Sadar Hospital from July 2019 to December 2019. All the patients admitted with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Cardiovascular risk factors, like smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidaemia and obesity, were evaluated among the patients. Results: This cross-sectional study showed most of the patients were in the age group of 50-59 years. 66% of the male patients and 2% of the female patients were smoker. 66% of the patients were hypertensive, 44% patients were diabetic, 28.5% patients were overweight, 60.4% patients had total cholesterol > 200mg/dl, 73.6% patients had LDL>130 mg/dl, 110 76.3% patients had HDL < 40 mg/ dl, 72.2% had triglyceride >150 mg/dl and 39% patients had family history of premature cardiovascular disease. Ninety (62.5%) patients had anterior MI, 50 (34.7%) patients had inferior MI and 4 (2.7%) patients had NSTEMI. 65 patients had no major risk factor and 57 % had three or more risk factors. Conclusion: The study population was more aged in comparison to other studies conducted in different parts of Bangladesh. Prevalence of smoking habit was lower but the prevalence of HTN, DM and dyslipidaemia were higher than the general population and other cohorts of MI patients. The prevalence of major risk factors was much higher than the general population of Bangladesh. Cardiovasc. j. 2020; 12(2): 96-101


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (06) ◽  
pp. 1194-1198
Author(s):  
Kiran Ikram ◽  
Surraya Israr ◽  
Ubaid Ullah Khan ◽  
Umer Farooq ◽  
Iqbal Begum

Objectives: To find frequency of common complications among patients presenting with induced septic abortion attending OPD of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Hayatabad Medical complex Peshawar. Period: 6 October, 2016 to 6 April, 2017. Material & Methods: Through a cross sectional validation study design, 123 pregnant female patients with induced septic abortion having a gestation period of 20 to 22 weeks were included in the research study. After their consent, detailed clinical examination and history of patients were taken. SPSS version 10.0 was used for analysis of the collected data. Descriptive statistical data like mean + Standard deviation was measured for age, gravidity & parity. Likewise, frequency & percentage was calculated for hemorrhage, diffuse peritonitis and severe anemia. Results: As per Common Complications, frequencies and percentages for hemorrhage was recorded in 31 (25.20%) patients, diffuse peritonitis was recorded in 49 (39.83%) patients while severe anemia was recorded in 26 (21.13%) patients. However, 17 patients (13.82%) had no complications other than septic abortion. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the mishap of septic-induced abortion is totally preventable. The definitive commitment to women’s health can be achieved through effective contraception and by strengthening the family welfare services. Positive results can be achieved by discouraging repeated terminations of pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Bella Nichole Kantor ◽  
Jonathan Kantor

AbstractPandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to significant mental health stresses, potentially with modifiable risk factors. To determine the presence of and magnitude of associations between baseline associations and anxiety and depression in the US general population, we performed an internet-based cross-sectional survey of an age-, sex-, and race-stratified representative sample from the US general population. Degrees of anxiety, depression, and loneliness were assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 8-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, respectively. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations with baseline demographic characteristics. A total of 1,005 finished surveys were returned of the 1,020 started, yielding a completion rate of 98.5% in the survey panel. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 45 (16), and 494 (48.8%) were male. Baseline demographic data were similar between those that were (n=663, 66.2%) and were not (n=339, 33.8%) under a shelter in place/ stay at home order, with the exception of sex and geographic location. Overall, 264 subjects (26.8%) met criteria for an anxiety disorder based on a GAD-7 cutoff of 10; a cutoff of 7 yielded 416 subjects (41.4%) meeting clinical criteria for anxiety. On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 0.65, 95% CI [0.49, 0.87]) and living in a larger home (OR 0.46, 95% CI [0.24, 0.88]) were associated with a decreased odds of meeting anxiety criteria. Rural location (OR 1.39, 95% CI [1.03, 1.89]), loneliness (OR 4.92, 95% CI [3.18, 7.62]), and history of hospitalization (OR 2.04, 95% CI [1.38, 3.03]), were associated with increased odds of meeting anxiety criteria. 232 subjects (23.6%) met criteria for clinical depression. On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 0.71, 95% CI [0.53, 0.95]), increased time outdoors (OR 0.51, 95% CI [0.29, 0.92]), and living in a larger home (OR 0.35, 95% CI [0.18, 0.69]), were associated with decreased odds of meeting depression criteria. Having lost a job (OR 1.64, 95% CI [1.05, 2.54]), loneliness (OR 10.42, 95% CI [6.26, 17.36]), and history of hospitalization (OR 2.42, 95% CI [1.62, 3.62]), were associated with an increased odds of meeting depression criteria. Income, media consumption, and religiosity were not associated with mental health outcomes. Anxiety and depression are common in the US general population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are associated with potentially modifiable factors.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lærke Priskorn ◽  
Ulla Nordström Joensen ◽  
Jørgen Holm Petersen ◽  
Tina Kold Jensen ◽  
Niels Erik Skakkebaek ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is testicular function associated within father–son pairs? SUMMARY ANSWER Familial resemblance in testis volume and serum markers of spermatogenesis was observed in father–son pairs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies suggest familial clustering of male subfertility and impaired spermatogenesis, but in men from the general population little is known about concordance in testicular function between fathers and sons. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional study with simultaneous collection of data in fathers and sons included 72 pairs (144 fathers and sons), unselected regarding testicular function were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A subgroup of men from the background population and participating in a study on testicular function were asked permission to invite their fathers to participate in a similar setup. Fathers (median age of 53 years) and sons (median age of 19 years) participated in the same study setup including assessment of testis size, having a blood sample taken and analysed for serum levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, inhibin B, LH, testosterone, oestradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and calculated free testosterone) and delivering a semen sample for assessment of traditional semen parameters. Mixed-effects models were fitted to estimate the familial resemblance as the proportion of variance in markers of testicular function due to shared factors for fathers and sons accounted for using random-effects. Variance components were calculated from both unadjusted and adjusted models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjustments, variance component analyses showed that familial resemblance between fathers and sons accounted for 48% (P &lt; 0.001) of the variation in testicular volume, 32% (P = 0.009) of the variation in FSH, 31% (P = 0.009) of the variation in the inhibin B/FSH ratio, 33% (P = 0.007) and 45% (P &lt; 0.001) of the variation in testosterone and free testosterone, respectively, and 31% (P = 0.009) of the variation in SHBG. None of the semen parameters were associated within father–son pairs. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study may have lacked power to detect associations for semen quality, as large intra- and inter-individual variation occur in semen parameters. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In this study, testis volume, serum testosterone and serum markers of spermatogenesis including FSH were associated in fathers and sons, suggesting an impact of paternal genetics for testicular function in the son. However, the estimated familial resemblance for spermatogenesis markers highlights that other factors, such as maternal genetics and prenatal as well as adult exposures, are also of major importance for testicular function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study has received funding from Danish Health Authority, Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark and Independent Research Fund Denmark (8020-00218B). None of the funders had any role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of the paper of publication decisions. The authors have nothing to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 512-519
Author(s):  
L. Conyette ◽  
F. Lutchmansingh ◽  
S. Sakhamuri ◽  
D. Simeon ◽  
M. A. Ivey ◽  
...  

SETTING: The prevalence of airflow obstruction (AO) in the Caribbean population is unknown.OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of and risk factors for AO (post-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to forced vital capacity of <0.7) in the Trinidad and Tobago general population using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease methodology.DESIGN: National cross-sectional, stratified, cluster sampling of adults aged ≥40 years.RESULTS: AO prevalence was 9.5% among 1104 participants, most of whom were unaware of this. Compared to those aged 40–49 years, the adjusted odds ratio of AO by age group was 2.73 (60–69 years) and 3.30 (≥70 years). Risk factors for AO were unemployment (OR 4.31), being retired (OR 2.17), smoking ≥20 pack-years (OR 1.88) and exposure to dusty jobs for more than 1 year (OR 2.06). Related symptoms were history of wheezing, unscheduled visits to the doctor or admission to hospital for breathing problems and in subjects with at least one respiratory symptom (OR 1.90), at least one risk factor (OR 2.81), either symptoms or risk factors (OR 3.71) and both symptoms and risk factors (OR 5.78) (P < 0.05 in all cases).CONCLUSION: AO prevalence in the general population of Trinidad and Tobago aged ≥40 years was 9.5%, almost all of which was undiagnosed. AO was associated with smoking, age >59 years, lack of employment and working in a dusty job.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1693-1701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Agergaard Holmboe ◽  
Lærke Priskorn ◽  
Tina Kold Jensen ◽  
Niels Erik Skakkebaek ◽  
Anna-Maria Andersson ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Are use of e-cigarettes and snuff associated with testicular function as previously shown for conventional cigarettes and marijuana? SUMMARY ANSWER Use of e-cigarettes is associated with reduced semen quality but not with higher serum testosterone level as observed for conventional cigarette use. Snuff use was not associated with markers of testicular function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cigarette smoking has previously been associated with higher testosterone levels and impaired semen quality, whereas it is unresolved whether use of e-cigarettes or snuff influence the testicular function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional population-based study included 2008 men with information on cigarette and marijuana use (enrolled between 2012 and 2018), among whom 1221 men also had information on e-cigarette and snuff use (enrolled between 2015 and 2018). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men (median age 19.0 years) from the general population provided a semen and blood sample and filled out a questionnaire on lifestyle including information on smoking behaviour. Associations between different types of smoking (e-cigarettes, snuff, marijuana and cigarettes) and reproductive hormones (total and free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, LH, oestradiol and ratios of inhibin B/FSH, testosterone/LH and free testosterone/LH) and semen parameters (total sperm count and sperm concentration) were examined using multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for relevant confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Approximately half of the men (52%) were cigarette smokers, 13% used e-cigarettes, 25% used snuff and 33% used marijuana. Users of e-cigarettes and marijuana were often also cigarette smokers. Compared to non-users, daily e-cigarette users had significantly lower total sperm count (147 million vs 91 million) as did daily cigarette smokers (139 million vs 103 million), in adjusted analyses. Furthermore, significantly higher total and free testosterone levels were seen in cigarette smoking men (6.2% and 4.1% higher total testosterone and 6.2% and 6.2% higher free testosterone in daily smokers and occasional smokers, respectively, compared to non-smoking men), but not among e-cigarette users. Daily users of marijuana had 8.3% higher total testosterone levels compared to non-users. No associations were observed for snuff in relation to markers of testicular function. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot exclude that our results can be influenced by residual confounding by behavioural factors not adjusted for. The number of daily e-cigarette users was limited and findings should be replicated in other studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first human study to indicate that not only cigarette smoking but also use of e-cigarettes is associated with lower sperm counts. This could be important knowledge for men trying to achieve a pregnancy, as e-cigarettes are often considered to be less harmful than conventional cigarette smoking. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from the Danish Ministry of Health (1-1010-308/59), the Independent Research Fund Denmark (8020-00218B), ReproUnion (20200407) and the Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark (A6176). The authors have nothing to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdallah Y Naser ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Rabaa Al-Rousan ◽  
Hassan Alwafi ◽  
Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe emergence of COVID-19 global pandemic coupled with high transmission rate and mortality has created an unprecedented state of emergency worldwide. This global situation may have a negative impact on the psychological well-being of individuals which in turn impacts individuals’ performance.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan between 22nd and 28th of March 2020 to explore the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of the general population, healthcare professionals, and university students during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety among the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety.ResultsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety among the entire study participants was 23.8% and 13.1%, respectively. Anxiety was most prevalent across university students 21.5%, followed by healthcare professionals 11.3%, and general population 8.8%. Females among healthcare professionals and university students, divorced healthcare professionals, pulmonologists, and university students with history of chronic disease were at higher risk of developing depression. Females, divorced participants among the general population, and university students with history of chronic disease and those with high income (≥1500 JD) were at higher risk of developing anxiety.ConclusionsDuring outbreaks, individuals are put under extreme stressful condition resulting in higher risk of developing anxiety and depression particularly for students and healthcare professionals. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide further mental support to these vulnerable groups during this pandemic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Shah Hassan ◽  
Khalid Munir Suleri ◽  
Abid Karim ◽  
Sarah Sherazi ◽  
Syed Ahmad Zunnoor ◽  
...  

Objectives: To know the association between reporting of Qisas and Diyat Laws and elements in medicolegal certificates (MLCs)against injuries in children. Study Design: Retrospective cross sectional. Setting: Two DHQ and 2 THQ level hospitals in Sialkot, Pakistan. Period: January-March 2015. Method: The MLCs (issued from 1st January through 31st December 2014) were segregated on the basis of history of the cases. All the certificates of each history were reviewed for the criminal law reporting. The inclusion criteria (i.e. at least one MLC with law reporting) meeting histories were included in the study. The MLCs on history of fight were kept in group A while that of other histories in B. The data was subjected to SPSS for analysis of the variables. Results: Incidence rate of law reporting was found as 50.4% in the pooled data. Only 160 (71.1%) or 54 (43.2%) cases of group A or B were certified according to the Qisas and Diyat Laws, respectively. On the average, higher reporting rate was observed in group A and Bfrom July through November, 2014 (45.3 and 44.5%, respectively). The law certification had insignificant association with none of the elements in MLC except age in group A with more likelihood for a 10-18 years old child (RR = 1.69; 1.060-2.693; p = .04). Subsections 337-F1 (Ghayr Jaifah Damiyah) and 337-L2were frequently reported in almost all the histories of cases. Conclusion: Most of the MLCs on fight were certified according to the Qisas and Diyat Laws. Moreover, measures by authorities are needed to limit the incidences ofinjuries in children.


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