Elsawi MM, Pryor JP, Klufio G, Barnes C, Patton MA. Genital tract function in men with Noonan syndrome.
J Med Genet 1994;
31:468-70. [PMID:
7915331 PMCID:
PMC1049925 DOI:
10.1136/jmg.31.6.468]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the pattern of male fertility in Noonan syndrome, and its potential implications for genetic counselling, the genital tract function was studied in 11 adult males with Noonan syndrome. Bilateral testicular maldescent occurred in six. The mean testicular volume was 21 (SD 4) ml. The stretched flaccid penile length was 11.4 (SD 1.2) cm. Puberty was delayed in three. Four of the men had fathered children. The LH and testosterone levels were essentially normal in all men, while the FSH levels were grossly raised in the group with testicular maldescent, with the exception of one man. Semen samples were obtained from five men, and azoospermia or oligozoospermia was present in four of them. Sexual function is not affected in men with Noonan syndrome, but the onset of sexual activity was delayed in men with late onset of puberty. Bilateral testicular maldescent appears to be the main factor contributing to impairment of fertility in men with Noonan syndrome.
Collapse