Predictors of reproductive and non-reproductive outcomes of gonadotropin mediated pubertal induction in male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH)

PURPOSE: To investigate predictors of testicular response and non-reproductive outcomes (height, body proportions) after gonadotropin-induced puberty in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of the puberty induction in CHH male patients, undergoing an off-label administration of combined gonadotropin (FSH and hCG). METHODS: Clinical and hormonal evaluations before and during gonadotropin stimulation in 19 CHH patients genotyped by Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for CHH genes; 16 patients underwent also semen analysis after gonadotropins. RESULTS: A lesser increase in testicular volume after 24 months of induction was significantly associated with: (I) cryptorchidism; (II) a positive genetic background; (III) a complete form of CHH. We found no significant correlation with the cumulative dose of hCG administered in 24 months. We found no association with the results of semen analyses, probably due to the low numerosity. Measures of body disproportion (eunuchoid habitus and difference between adult and target height: deltaSDSth), were significantly related to the: (I) age at the beginning of puberty induction; (II) duration of growth during the induction; (III) initial bone age. The duration of growth during induction was associated with previous testosterone priming and to partial forms of CHH. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a strong genetic background and cryptorchidism, as indicators of a complete GnRH deficiency since intrauterine life, are negative predictors of testicular response to gonadotropin stimulation in CHH. Body disproportion is associated with a delay in treatment and duration of growth during the induction, which is apparently inversely related to previous androgenization. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40618-021-01556-x.