Infertility as a Proxy of Men's Health: Still a Long Way to Go

Male infertility (MI) has been widely associated with the development of certain comorbidities and to a lower overall general health status. Higher risks of developing oncological, autoimmune, and chronic disorders among infertile individuals have led researchers to further investigate this issue. Recent clinical studies have been focusing more onto the concept of general health status and mortality. Overall, it has been postulated and subsequently demonstrated that the coexistence of specific diseases and semen alterations may lead to a decreased lifespan. As in Western countries, fatherhood is increasingly delayed in time, and aging might play an important role as a confounding factor for the after-mentioned statements. Although this holds true, even after adjusting for age, it emerges a worrisome picture regarding MI, lower general health status, and increased mortality. The aim of this nonsystematic narrative review is to provide an overview of the most relevant and recent findings on the topic.

PCSK9 inhibitors: effectiveness of treatment and changes in background lipid-lowering therapy in a real world Italian population. The AT-TARGET-IT study

Introduction

PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) significantly decrease LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), either as monotherapy or in addition to the maximally tolerated dose of statin and/or ezetimibe. Yet, few data are available on efficacy and background lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) adjustment in patients treated with PCSK9i in real-world observations.

Purpose

AT-TARGET-IT is an Italian multicenter registry involving 9 Italian centers, designed to assess efficacy, adherence, and persistence of PCSK9i, as well as prescribing doctors' behavior in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The aim of the present analysis was to assess efficacy and changes in background LLT therapy in patients on PCSK9i in a real-world single country observation.

Methods

From June through November 2021, we enrolled patients with PCSK9i first prescription from 6 months before inclusion through starting of PCSK9i use. Clinical and demographic characteristics, concomitant therapies, blood chemistry, were recorded at the time of first prescription and at the latest observation preceding inclusion in the study. Background therapy was assessed at baseline and during follow-up, evaluating treatment withdrawal, reduction of doses, or changes from statin-ezetimibe association to single drug therapy.

Results

We enrolled 798 patients (27% with FH) receiving either alirocumab or evolocumab and followed for a median time of 19.3 months. At the time of PCSK9i first prescription LDL-C was 147.6 mg/dl and reached 51.5 mg/dl at the time of latest observation (64% reduction), and 129 patients (16%) were not receiving any LLT, 669 patients received background LLT, of them 246 (31%) were taking ezetimibe alone and 423 (53%) were taking statins with or without ezetimibe. At the end of the observation period, 785 patients (98%) were still receiving PCSK9i and 550 (69%) did not change background LLT. Of 248 patients changing background LLT, 116 (47%) withdrew therapy, 132 (53%) changed dose or type of LLT. After stratification by achievement of LDL-C target according CV risk class, 483 patients achieved the target (60%). Target was achieved at the end of the observation period in 63% of patients taking triple therapy, 65% patients receiving PCSK9i plus statins, 62% of patients receiving PCSK9i plus ezetimibe and 55% receiving PCSK9i alone (Figure 1). No significant differences in terms of percentage of patients changing background LLT during PCSK9i treatment were found between patients at target for LDL-C and those not at target.

Conclusion

AT-TARGET-IT study shows that PCSK9i therapy is effective in reaching LDL-C target in the majority of patients, yet a sizable number of them (40%) remains undertreated. LLT background therapy is either reduced or withdrawn in 31% of patients, being responsible for not reaching target. Reasons for inappropriate LLT changes in patients receiving PCSK9i should be identified and removed to optimize lipid control.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

P–089 Paternal age affects the performance of EAU guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men: implications for candidate selection

Study question

We aimed at challenge EAU Guidelines for genetic testing performance in infertile men according to normal vs. advanced paternal age (APA).

Summary answer

EAU Guidelines perform better in karyotype analysis (KA) and Y-chromosome microdeletions (YCM) investigation in men above 35 years of age.

What is known already

EAU Guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men recommend specific threshold for candidate selection for both KA (<10 million spermatozoa/ml) and YCM (<5 million spermatozoa/ml). However, paternal age is not taken into account for candidate selection in this setting.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 2188 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated at a single academic centre were analysed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analysed. Semen analyses were based on 2010 WHO criteria. Advanced age was defined as above 35. All men underwent KA and YCM testing. EAU Guidelines were validated in our cohort and according to APA. Specificity, sensitivity, and AUC were estimated for all scenarios. A Wald-type test compared AUC according to APA for KA and YCM. Decision curve analysis (DCA) estimated the benefit of using EAU Guidelines according to APA.

Main results and the role of chance

Median (IQR) paternal age was 37 (34–41) years. Advanced paternal age was found in 1306 (60%) of included men. Prevalence of KA and YCM was 4% (48 men) and 1% (13 men), respectively. EAU Guidelines sensitivity, specificity and AUC in the overall population were 85%, 47% and 66% for KA, whereas they were 100%, 57% and 80% for YCM. When stratifying according to APA, EAU Guidelines performed better in men over 35 both in terms of KA and YCM detection. Specifically, AUC for KA detection in men with APA was 70% vs. 63% in younger men (p = 0.04). AUC for YCM detection in men with APA was 82% vs. 79% in younger men (p = 0.03). DCA confirmed higher net benefit in using EAU Guidelines in old vs. young men for the detection of both KA and YCM.

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases.

Wider implications of the findings: EAU Guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men perform differentially according to APA. KA and YCM are better detected in older men, likely due to a wider pool of confounding etiological factors in young men. These results suggest the implementation of more accurate predictive models in younger men.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-151 Detailed characterization of infertile men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility: a single-center experience

Study question

We aimed to investigate the rate of and the clinical characteristics of men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility from a cohort of white-European men.

Summary answer

Approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated for primary couple’s infertility depicted characteristics suggestive for idiopathic and unexplained infertility, respectively.

What is known already

Male factor infertility (MFI) can be associated with clinical, hormonal and genetic diseases, but MFI is idiopathic in almost 30% of cases.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 3098 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated between 2003-2020 at a single academic centre were analysed and compared with those of 103 fertile controls. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Idiopathic infertility was defined for pathological semen analysis but normal physical examination and endocrine, genetic and biochemical laboratory testing. Unexplained infertility is defined as infertility of unknown origin with normal sperm parameters.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader’s orchidometer. Serum hormones and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) were measured in every patient. Vitamin D3 (VitD) deficiency was considered for vitD levels <20 ng/mL. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Main results and the role of chance

Overall, 570 (18.5%) and 154 (5.0%) patients depicted criteria suggestive for either idiopathic or unexplained primary infertility, respectively. Groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI, recreational habits, circulating serum hormones and SDF. Testicular volume was lower in men with idiopathic vs. unexplained infertility [median (IQR) 20 (15-25) vs. 20 (17-25); p < 0.001]; more idiopathic than unexplained infertile men depicted TV < 15ml (23.4% vs. 12%; p < 0.01). Similarly, vitD levels were lower [22 (17-28) vs. 27 (21-42) ng/mL; p < 0.001] in idiopathic vs. unexplained infertile men, with a higher rate of pathologic VitD levels in the same group (42.1% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). When compared to fertile controls, groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI and serum hormones values. TV was larger in fertile controls than idiopathic and unexplained infertile men (all p < 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis only vitD deficiency (OR 8.1, p = 0.03) was found to be associated with idiopathic infertility after accounting for age, BMI, testosterone values and TV. 

Limitations, reasons for caution

The small number of fertile controls may raise the possibility of biases.

Wider implications of the findings

Idiopathic and unexplained infertility were identified in approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated, respectively. Idiopathic infertile men showed lower TV and lower vitD values compared to men with unexplained infertility. Future studies are needed to develop a more tailored management to these difficult MFI cases.

Trial registration number

.

P–108 Which infertile men with normal semen analysis deserve a second semen analysis in the real-life setting?

Study question

Guidelines suggest that one semen analysis is sufficient during the diagnostic work-up of an infertile man in the case of normality as for WHO criteria.

Summary answer

We investigated the rate and the clinical features of men with abnormal sperm parameters at a second test, after a normal first semen analysis.

What is known already

A second test is recommended when the first semen analysis depicted abnormal sperm parameters.

Study design, size, duration

Complete demographic, clinical and laboratory data from 1358 consecutive primary infertile men (infertility as for WHO definition) were analysed. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Serum hormones were measured in every patient. Patients underwent two consecutive semen analyses at the same laboratory, which followed 2010 WHO reference criteria.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical variables and semen parameters. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the relationship between clinical variables and to create a composite risk score for pathological sperm parameters at a second test.

Main results and the role of chance

At first analysis, 212 (15.6%) infertile men had normal semen parameters. Of 212, 87 (41.0%) had a second normal semen analysis, while 80 (37.7%), 35 (16.5%) and 10 (4.7%) men showed 1, 2 and 3 pathological sperm parameters at second test. Men with a pathological second semen analysis had higher CCI scores (p < 0.001), smaller testicular volume (p < 0.001) and higher FSH values (p < 0.01) than those with normal second samples. Overall, despite being within normal ranges, sperm concentration was lower [34 (23–57) vs. 62 (35–94); p < 0.01] in men with an abnormal second sample compared to those with confirmed normality. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, smaller testicular volume (OR 0.9, p = 0.03), FSH (OR 1.2, p < 0.01), and lower sperm concentration (OR 0.9, p < 0.01) were associated with pathological second semen analyses, after accounting for age and CCI. ROC curves showed that testicular volume <15 ml, FSH values >6 mUI/ml and sperm concentration <40 mil/ml had good predictive ability for pathologic second sperm parameters (all AUC >0.8). Considering 1-point for each of the previous variables, the chances of a pathological second analysis increased from 38.8% to 74.6%, 77.3% and 100% among patients with risk scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. In spite of this, all patients have been consistently analysed over time with a rigorous follow-up, thus limiting potential heterogeneity in terms of data reporting.

Wider implications of the findings: Approximately 60% of infertile men with a normal semen analysis depicted a pathological second test. Smaller testicles, higher FSH, lower sperm concentrations were independently associated with a pathologic second test. These features could be useful to identify those infertile men with a normal semen analysis who deserve a second test.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-207 Which infertile patients mostly deserve to have a sperm DNA fragmentation index done? Findings from a cross-sectional study

Study question

Current scientific guidelines do not clearly suggest which patients would benefit the most from a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) test.

Summary answer

We aimed to investigate potential predictive factors for altered SDF in a homogenous cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple’s infertility.

What is known already

High SDF has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, reduced chances of natural conception and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 478 consecutive men with normal or altered SDF were analysed. Infertility was defined according to the WHO criteria. Semen analysis, SDF (according to SCSA) and serum hormones were measured in every patient. Health significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Altered SDF was considered with a threshold of > 30%.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of patients with normal SDF and altered SDF. Logistic regression analysis tested potential predictors of altered SDF. ROC curve was used to test the accuracy of the model in predicting SDF alteration

Main results and the role of chance

Of 478 patients, 253 (57.7%) had altered SDF. Median (IQR) age and BMI of the whole cohort were 38 (35-42) years and 25.1 (23.3-27.1) kg/m2 respectively. Patients with altered SDF were older (median (IQR) age: 39 (36-43) vs. 37 (34-38) years, p < 0.0001), had lower sperm concentration (5 (1.1–18) vs. 17 x106/mL (6–38.8), p < 0.0001), testicular volume (15.1 (12 –20) vs. 16.8 (12 – 25) Prader, p = 0.0005), and total motile sperm count (TMSC) (1.8 (0.21–10.71) vs. 11.8x106 (2–37.26), p < 0.0001). Conversely, men with altered SDF had higher FSH (6.1 (3.85–9.7) vs. 4.8 (3.85 – 7.9) mIU/mL, p < 0.0001) and prolactin levels (9.8 (7.43–14.04) vs. 8.3 (6.6–11.3) pg/mL, p = 0.0004) than those with normal SDF. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients’ age >35 years (OR: 2.45, p = 0.0009), FSH > 8.0 mIU/mL (OR: 2.23, p < 0.0001) and lower TMSC (OR: 2.04, p = 0.002) were identified as indipendent predictors of altered SDF, after adjusting for testicular volume and CCI≥1. ROC curve (Figure 1) revealed that the model has a good predictive ability to identify patients with SDF alteration (AUC: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.67 - 0.77).

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. In spite of this, all patients have been consistently analysed over time with a rigorous follow-up, thus limiting potential heterogeneity in terms of data reporting

Wider implications of the findings

Primary infertile men older than 35 years, with high serum FSH and low TMSC at baseline are the ones who mostly deserve a SDF test over their diagnostic work-up and that would potentially benefit the most of certain treatments to improve SDF value, thus increasing chances of conceiving.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Infertile couples still undergo assisted reproductive treatments without initial andrological evaluation in the real-life setting: A failure to adhere to guidelines?

BACKGROUND

The EAU Guidelines on Male Sexual and Reproductive Health state that both partners of the infertile couple should undergo simultaneous investigation.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and the characteristics of infertile men who were referred for an andrological evaluation after failed attempts of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with those who were evaluated at the beginning of their infertility pathway at a single academic centre over a 17-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 3213 primary infertile couples assessed between 2003 and 2020 were analysed. Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of male partners of couples with (+ART) or without (-ART) previous ART prior to andrological consultation. Logistic regression models analysed variables associated with +ART. Local polynomial regression models explored the probability of +ART over the analysed time frame.

RESULTS

Of all, 493 (15.3%) participants were +ART. Patients and female partners' age were higher in +ART couples (all p≤0.04). Sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology were lower in +ART than in -ART patients (all p<0.001), along with a greater percentage of non-obstructive azoospermia in +ART compared to -ART men (p<0.0001). At univariable analysis, patient age and partner age >35 years and a less recent assessment were associated with +ART status (all p≤0.04). Male age and less recent years of assessment were also independent predictors of +ART, after accounting for partner's age >35 years (all p<0.01). A not significant decrease of this pattern was observed throughout the last 7 years at local polynomial regression models.

DISCUSSION

Overall awareness towards the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for the male partner of every infertile couple should therefore be further strengthened.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 15% of couples still undergo ART without any initial andrological evaluation in the real-life setting. A not significant decrease in this trend was observed over most recent years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Correlation among isolated teratozoospermia, sperm DNA fragmentation and markers of systemic inflammation in primary infertile men

Aim

To assess the prevalence of isolated teratozoospermia (iTZS) in a cohort of infertile and fertile men; explore the relationship between iTZS, inflammatory parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) in the same cohort.

Materials and methods

1824 infertile men and 103 fertile controls. Semen analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum hormones were investigated. DFI was tested in infertile men only. According to 2010 WHO semen analysis, patients were categorized in 3 sub-groups of isolated sperm defects: isolated oligozoospermia (iOZS), isolated asthenozoospermia (iAZS) and iTZS. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between clinical variables and inflammatory markers.

Results

Among infertile men, iAZS, iTZS, and iOZS were found in 13.9%, 11.9% and 4.1% participants, respectively. iTZS was found in 37 (35.9%) fertile men. Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR values than those with iOZS, iAZS and men with normal semen parameters (all p<0.001). FSH and LH were higher and inhibin B lower in iOZS infertile men compared to all other groups (p≤0.001). Hormonal characteristics were similar between iTZS infertile and fertile men. Similarly, iTZS infertile men had higher SDF than all other groups (all p<0.001). Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR values than fertile men with iTZS (p<0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that, in infertile men, iTZS was associated with SDF and NLR (all p≤0.01).

Conclusions

iTZS was found in 11.9% of infertile men but it was even more prevalent in fertile controls. Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR than fertile controls and increased SDF values than infertile participant with iAZS, iOZS, or normal semen parameters. No differences in hormonal characteristics were found between infertile and fertile men with iTZS.

Substances of abuse consumption among patients seeking medical help for uro-andrological purposes: a sociobehavioral survey in the real-life scenario

Substances of abuse (SoA), as well as smoking and alcohol consumption, are well known for their impact on male fertility status, erectile function, and ejaculation. We assessed SoA consumption habits in a cohort of men seeking medical attention for uro-andrological purposes. Data from 7447 men seeking medical attention for the first time for uro-andrological purposes were analyzed. A complete medical and sexual history was collected for each patient. Smoking, alcohol, and SoA consumption were investigated. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the whole cohort. The primary motivations for their evaluation were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), erectile dysfunction (ED), and infertility in 1912 (25.7%), 2944 (39.5%), and 2591 (34.8%) men, respectively. Previous use of SoA was reported by 378 (5.1%) men, and 190 (2.6%) individuals were current users. Patients seeking medical attention for infertility were more frequently current SoA users (107; 4.1%) than men with ED (66; 2.2%) and LUTS (17; 0.9%) (both P < 0.001). Current users of SoA were younger than those with past or no SoA history (P < 0.001). Current SoA users were more frequently smokers (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumers (P < 0.001) than those with a previous history or those who had never tried SoA. In conclusion, approximately 3% of men seeking medical attention for uro-andrological purposes were current SoA consumers. Infertile men reported a higher use of SoA than those with ED or LUTS. Current SoA users were younger and more frequently concomitant smokers and alcohol consumers compared to those who did or had never used SoA.

Can We Rely Solely on the International Prostate Symptoms Score to Investigate Storage Symptoms in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Enlargement? Findings from a Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Discrepancies exist between patient-reported storage phase symptoms severity and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scores.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OABq) can detect further storage phase lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among patients complaining solely of voiding LUTS based on the IPSS questionnaire, and to address the real-life impact of voiding LUTS towards patients' quality of life (QoL).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 233 consecutive men seeking medical help for LUTS/benign prostate enlargement for the first time were analysed. All patients completed both the OABq and the IPSS questionnaire. In order to investigate patients with predominantly voiding phase symptoms, men with storage phase symptoms at IPSS were eventually excluded from the analysis. Patients with an OABq score of ≥40 were considered as those having moderate-to-severe storage LUTS.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the associations between OABq scores, IPSS, and IPSS-QoL.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

OABq scores were higher in men with severe voiding symptoms than in men with mild voiding symptoms (p < 0.001). More than half of patients with predominant voiding symptoms, according to the IPSS questionnaire, depicted a pathologic OABq score. A higher rate of pathologic OABq scores was found in men with moderate/severe voiding symptoms than in those with mild scores (67.4% vs 49.6%, p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, younger age (beta -0.1, p < 0.01), IPSS voiding subscore (beta 0.3, p < 0.001), and OABq score ≥40 (beta 1.1, p < 0.001) emerged as independent predictors of IPSS-QoL after accounting for prostate volume and flow max.

CONCLUSIONS

The OABq can detect the presence of further storage phase LUTS in patients presenting solely with voiding LUTS and IPSS suggestive of voiding phase symptoms. In addition, the OABq was associated with worse patient QoL regardless of the severity of voiding symptoms.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OABq) is able to detect the presence of additional storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients presenting solely with voiding LUTS according to the IPSS questionnaire. Moreover, the OABq is associated with worse quality of life in these patients regardless of the severity of voiding symptoms.

Testicular volume in infertile versus fertile white-European men: a case-control investigation in the real-life setting

Testicular volume (TV) is considered a good clinical marker of hormonal and spermatogenic function. Accurate reference values for TV measures in infertile and fertile men are lacking. We aimed to assess references values for TV in white-European infertile men and fertile controls. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 1940 (95.0%) infertile men and 102 (5.0%) fertile controls. Groups were matched by age using propensity score weighting. TV was assessed using a Prader orchidometer (PO). Circulating hormones and semen parameters were investigated in every male. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression models tested potential associations between PO-estimated TV values and clinical variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to find TV value cutoffs for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) status in infertile men. The median testicular volume was smaller in infertile than that of fertile men (15.0 ml vs 22.5 ml; P < 0.001). TV positively correlated with total testosterone, sperm concentration, and progressive sperm motility (all P ≤ 0.001) in infertile men. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, infertile status (P < 0.001) and the presence of left varicocele (P < 0.001) were associated with TV < 15 ml. Testicular volume thresholds of 15 ml and 12 ml had a good predictive ability for detecting OAT and NOA status, respectively. In conclusion, infertile men have smaller testicular volume than fertile controls. TV positively correlated with total testosterone, sperm concentration, and progressive motility in infertile men, which was not the case in the age-matched fertile counterparts.

Severely low testosterone in males with COVID-19: A case-control study

Background

Circulating androgens could have a relevant pathobiological role in clinical outcomes in men with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection (COVID‐19).

Objectives

We aimed to assess: (a) circulating sex steroids levels in a cohort of 286 symptomatic men with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 at hospital admission compared to a cohort of 281 healthy men; and (b) the association between serum testosterone levels (tT), COVID‐19, and clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Demographic, clinical, and hormonal values were collected for all patients. Hypogonadism was defined as tT ≤9.2 nmol/l. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to score health‐significant comorbidities. Severe clinical outcomes were defined as patients either transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) or death. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical and laboratory variables and tT levels. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models tested the association between tT and severe clinical outcomes.

Results

Overall, a significantly lower levels of LH and tT were found in patients with COVID‐19 compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.0001); conversely, healthy controls depicted lower values of circulating E₂ (p < 0.001). Testosterone levels suggestive for hypogonadism were observed in 257 (89.8%) patients at hospital admission. In as many as 243 (85%) cases, hypogonadism was secondary. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status was independently associated with lower tT levels (p < 0.0001) and greater risk of hypogonadism (p < 0.0001), after accounting for age, BMI, CCI, and IL‐6 values. Lower tT levels were associated with higher risk of ICU admission and death outcomes (all p ≤ 0.05), after accounting for clinical and laboratory parameters.

Conclusions

We unveil an independent association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status and secondary hypogonadism already at hospital admission, with lower testosterone levels predicting the most severe clinical outcomes.

Patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms who most deserve to be investigated for primary bladder neck obstruction

We aimed to investigate clinical features potentially useful in primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) diagnosis in men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Data from 1229 men presenting for LUTS as their primary complaint at a single centre were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical and physical assessment, and completed the International Prostate Symptoms Score. All patients were investigated with uroflowmetry, and trans-rectal ultrasound imaging to define prostate volume. Urodynamic evaluation was performed when the diagnosis of benign prostatic enlargement was not confirmed and the patient presented a significant chance of detrusor overactivity or underactivity. As per our internal protocol, patients < 60 years old with bothersome LUTS and > 60 years with a prostate volume (PV) < 40 mL were also investigated with urethrocystoscopy to rule out urethral stricture. Logistic regression analysis tested clinical predictors of possible PBNO. Of 1229 patients, 136 (11%) featured a clinical profile which was consistent with PBNO. Overall, these patients were younger (p < 0.0001), had lower BMI (p < 0.0001), less comorbidities (p = 0.004) and lower PSA values (p < 0.0001), but worse IPSS scores (p = 0.01) and lower PV values (p < 0.0001) compared to patients with other-aetiology LUTS. At multivariable analysis, younger age (OR 0.90; p = 0.003) and higher IPSS scores (OR 1.12; p = 0.01) were more likely to be associated with this subset of patients, after accounting for other clinical variables. One out of ten young/middle-aged men presenting for LUTS may be affected from PBNO. Younger patients with more severe LUTS systematically deserve an extensive assessment to rule out PBNO, thus including urethrocystoscopy and urodynamics with voiding-cysto-urethrogram.

Extensive Assessment of Underlying Etiological Factors in Primary Infertile Men Reduces the Proportion of Men With Idiopathic Infertility

OBJECTIVE

Up to 40% of infertile men remain without a recognized cause (i.e., idiopathic infertility). We aimed to identify, categorize, and report the supposed causes of male infertility in a cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple's infertility, by using a thorough and extensive baseline diagnostic work-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 1,174 primary infertile men who underwent a thorough diagnostic work-up including: detailed medical history, physical examination, hormonal assessment, genetic testing, semen analyses; semen and urine cultures; testis color Duplex US. Men without any identified causal factor were considered as idiopathic. Six different etiological categories were established, and their prevalence was estimated. Logistic regression models estimated the risk of missing causal identification.

RESULTS

A possible causal factor was identified in 928 (81%) men. Hypogonadism was the most frequent identified cause (37%), followed by varicocele (27%). Genetic abnormalities were found in 5% of patients. A causal factor was more easily identifiable for the more severe infertility cases, and azoospermic men were those less likely to be defined as idiopathic (OR and 95% CIs: 0.09; 0.04-0.20). Relative proportion of identified causes remained constant during the 10-year study period (p>0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to a more comprehensive and extensive diagnostic work-up, at least one underlying cause of male infertility factor in 4 out of 5 infertile men can be identified. Men with a less severe phenotype remain a clinical challenge in terms of establishing a possible etiologic factor. Further studies are needed to assess which subset of infertile men deserves a more extensive work-up.

Male factor infertility trends throughout the last 10 years: Report from a tertiary-referral academic andrology centre

BACKGROUND

Trends of male factor causes of couples' infertility over time have been poorly investigated.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated trends in the causes of pure male factor infertility (MFI) throughout the last 10 years in a tertiary-referral academic andrology center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Baseline characteristics at first presentation from a cohort of 1647 consecutive male factor infertility patients belonging to primary infertile couples between 2008 and 2018 have been comprehensively collected over time. Seven major causes of male factor infertility were identified: varicocoele; history of cryptorchidism; hypogonadism (primary and secondary); obstructive azoospermia; genetic abnormalities; other causes (large group including the remnant conditions of known causes); and idiopathic infertility. Rates of different male factor infertility causes over the study period were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the likelihood of male factor infertility causes over time. Estimated trends were explored graphically.

RESULTS

Of all, varicocoele was found in 615 (37.3%), cryptorchidism in 124 (7.5%), genetic abnormalities in 61 (3.7%), hypogonadism in 165 (10%), obstructive conditions in 55 (3.3%), other causes in 129 (7.8%) patients, and idiopathic infertility in 498 (30.3%) patients, respectively. Over time, a reduction in the proportions of cryptorchidism and varicocoele (all P < 0.001) cases was observed, along with an increase in the proportions of hypogonadism, other causes of MFI and idiopathic cases (all P ≤ 0.01). Rates of genetic and obstructive cases remained stable. The observed trends were confirmed at logistic regression models.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

A decreasing trend in the proportions of varicocoele and cryptorchidism at first presentation was observed over the last 10 years; conversely, the proportions of idiopathic cases, hypogonadal patients, and infertile men presenting with other male factor infertility causes significantly increased over the same time frame at a single tertiary-referral academic andrology center.

Normal sperm parameters per se do not reliably account for fertility: A case-control study in the real-life setting

A proportion of men are infertile despite having normal medical history/physical examination and normal semen analysis. We aimed to assess whether normal sperm parameters per se account for male factor fertility. 1,957 infertile men were compared with 103 age-comparable fertile controls. Semen analysis was based on 2010 World Health Organization reference criteria. Of all, 12.1% of infertile men and 40.8% of fertile men presented with normal sperm parameters. Among fertile men, 36.9% had isolated sperm abnormalities and 22.3% men showed two or more concomitant sperm abnormalities. Serum total testosterone was higher in infertile men with normal sperm parameters compared to those with ≥2 sperm abnormalities or azoospermia, but similar to those with isolated sperm abnormalities (p ≤ .001). Circulating hormones were similar among sperm parameters groups in fertile men. At multivariable analyses, testicular volume (OR 1.12, p ≤ .001) and FSH (OR 0.8, p ≤ .001) were associated with normal sperm parameters. Overall, the longer the infertility period, the greater the number of sperm parameters abnormalities (p < .01). In conclusion, we found that 12% of infertile men and only 41% of fertile men present with normal sperm parameters. Normal sperm parameters per se do not reliably account for fertility in the real-life setting.

Leukocytospermia is not an informative predictor of positive semen culture in infertile men: results from a validation study of available guidelines

STUDY QUESTION

Are the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for performing semen culture accurate enough for detecting a positive semen culture in Caucasian-European infertile men?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The majority (80%) of asymptomatic infertile men with a positive sperm culture may miss a proper diagnostic assessment when relying on EAU guidelines; no single parameter can assist in medical decision-making.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The EAU guidelines suggest performing semen culture in case of increased leukocytes in semen (>106 peroxidase positive white blood cells/ml, i.e. leukocytospermia).

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A cross-sectional validation study including 523 infertile men was carried out during 2010-2018.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Infertile men who were asymptomatic for genital infections were enrolled at a single academic center, and a semen culture was obtained in every case. A concentration of >103 cfu/ml urinary tract pathogens in the ejaculate was considered indicative of significant bacteriospermia. Semen analysis values were assessed on the basis of 2010 World Health Organization reference criteria. EAU guidelines for semen culture were used to predict positive semen culture in our cohort and thus validated. Moreover, we tested the predictive performance and accuracy of several clinical parameters and compared them to EAU guidelines.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A positive semen culture was found in 54 men (10%). The application of EAU guidelines would have missed 43 out of 54 (80%) positive semen cultures with 120/131 (92%) useless examinations. EAU guidelines specificity, sensitivity and discrimination were 74%, 20% and 47%, respectively. When trying to improve positive semen culture prediction, we were unable to find any informative baseline parameter except for serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.04-2.77)), although without any improvement in terms of discrimination (P = 0.10).

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The study was limited by the lack of a control group of fertile men its retrospective nature. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies were not used for leukocyte assessment.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Since it is not possible to identify infertile men at risk of semen infection, further studies are needed to tailor the execution of semen culture.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

No funding was received for this study. There are no competing interests.

Infertile Men Have Higher Prostate-specific Antigen Values than Fertile Individuals of Comparable Age

BACKGROUND

Infertile men are at greater risk for oncological and nononcological chronic disease than fertile individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values in men presenting for primary couple's infertility compared with a cohort of fertile individuals, according to the recommendation of the European Association of Urology guidelines that a first PSA assessment should be done at 40-45 yr of age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a cross-sectional study. Data from 956 (90%) infertile men and 102 (9.6%) fertile participants were analysed. Circulating hormones, total PSA, and semen parameters were investigated in every man.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics, local polynomial smoothing, and linear regression models were used to test potential associations with PSA levels.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, PSA >1 ng/ml was found in 318 (30%) men. Serum PSA was higher (p = 0.02), while serum testosterone (p < 0.01) was lower in infertile than in fertile men. In participants younger than 40 yr, 176 (27%) men had PSA >1 ng/ml; of them, a greater proportion were infertile (28% infertile vs 17% fertile, p = 0.03). At multivariable linear regression analysis, infertile status (coefficient 0.21; 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.39) was associated with higher PSA values, after adjusting for age and serum testosterone level. This was a single-centre study, raising the possibility of selection biases.

CONCLUSIONS

Infertile men have higher PSA values than fertile individuals. Of all, almost one out of three primary infertile men younger than 40 yr has a first total PSA value of >1 ng/ml.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we observed that (1) infertile men have higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values than fertile individuals and (2) a greater proportion of infertile men younger than 40 yr had total PSA >1 ng/ml at the first assessment. These data might be relevant to study the potential clinical impact of more rigorous screening in primary infertile men.

The impact of metabolically healthy obesity in primary infertile men: Results from a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

A number of studies showed that obesity may negatively impact on sperm quality and consequently couple's fertility. Recently, specific attention was given to a clinical condition known as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of MHO on semen and hormonal parameters of men presenting for primary couple's infertility associated with pure male factor infertility (MFI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from a homogenous cohort of 512 white-European primary infertile men belonging to couples with pure MFI have been cross-sectionally analyzed. Semen analysis was based on 2010 WHO reference criteria. Patients were segregated into eugonadal, secondary hypogonadal, primary hypogonadal, and compensated hypogonadal. The Harmonized International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Based on BMI and MetS, patients were further segregated into the following: (a) metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO); (b) metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUNO) (c) metabolically healthy obesity (MHO); and, (d) metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO). Main outcome measures were the prevalence of MHO and the impact of MHO on semen and hormonal parameters in this cohort of MFI primary infertile men.

RESULTS

Overall, MHNO, MUNO, MHO, and MUHO were found in 462 (90%), 13 (2.5%), 27 (5.2%), and 10 (1.9%) men, respectively. MHO patients had lower total testosterone and SHBG levels (all P < .05) but higher E₂ values (P < .005) compared with MHNO men. Groups did not differ in terms of semen parameters. At multivariable logistic regression, analysis MHO was associated with an increased risk of primary and secondary hypogonadism (all P ≤ .02) compared with MHNO, after accounting for age and comorbid conditions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Metabolically healthy obesity is threefold more prevalent than unhealthy obesity in primary infertile men. Despite semen parameters are comparable among groups, MHO patients show worse endocrine parameters and a higher risk of primary and secondary hypogonadism compared with metabolically healthy normal infertile men.

SHBG levels in primary infertile men: a critical interpretation in clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to test the association between age, BMI and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in a homogenous cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple's infertility.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Data from 1547 infertile men were analysed. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Fasting serum hormones were measured in every patient. Age was considered according to quartile groups (<33, 33-41, >41 years) and BMI as normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (>30 kg/m2). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis tested the associations between age, BMI and SHBG.

RESULTS

Median SHBG levels increased across quartiles of age and decreased along with BMI increases (all P < 0.001). For each year increase in age, SHBG increased 0.32 nmol/L; conversely, for each unit increase in BMI, SHBG decreased by 1.1 nmol/L (all P < 0.001). SHBG levels decline with increasing BMI was greater than SHBG progressive increase with age. Overall, BMI explained 3.0 times more of the variability in SHBG than did ageing. At multivariate linear model, age and BMI were the most significant factors influencing SHBG concentration (all P < 0.001), after accounting for CCI, albumin levels and smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a wide distribution of SHBG concentrations across age and BMI values in primary infertile men. The association between BMI and lowered SHBG levels seems to be greater than the association of ageing with increased SHBG.

Is It Compulsory to Investigate for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Presenting for Low Urinary Tract Symptoms?

BACKGROUND

Current European Association of Urology guidelines suggest investigation of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) whenever there is a clinical suspicion.

OBJECTIVE

To assess factors predictive of ED, which may drive the need for a clinical assessment in men only presenting for LUTS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 914 men presenting for LUTS at a single-center outpatient clinic and without a previous diagnosis of ED were analyzed.

INTERVENTION

All patients completed the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) questionnaires.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Logistic regression analyses tested potential predictors of ED and severe ED. The accuracy of the predictive models was assessed, and decision curve analyses (DCAs) tested their clinical benefit.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The median baseline IPSS score was 12 (7-19). IIEF-EF scores suggestive of unreported ED were observed in 503 (55%) patients; of all, 251 (27%) men showed severe ED. At logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; p<0.001), IPSS score (OR: 1.04; p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.37; p=0.02), and smoking history (OR 1.36; p=0.03) were associated with unreported ED, after accounting for body mass index, hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases, and dyslipidemia. The same factors were associated with severe ED (all p≤0.03). The predictive model including these variables showed good accuracy for predicting ED (areas under the curve 0.69 and 0.72, respectively). However, DCAs showed no greater clinical benefit regarding identifying which patients should actually be screened for ED using these variables versus screening all patients with LUTS. Conversely, the net clinical benefit of the tested model was higher when predicting severe ED. As a limitation, we could not check prospectively the clinical impact of detecting ED in LUTS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the importance of ED in terms of overall men's health, segregating patients to be investigated or not for ED according to the traditional risk factors did not emerge more clinically useful than screening all patients presenting for LUTS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients presenting for LUTS only in the everyday clinical practice should always be screened for ED and managed accordingly.