Assessment of Cryptorchidism Prevalence and Determination of some of its Related-factors in Neonates Born at Fatima Hospital, Hamedan (2004)

Background & Objectives: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies at birth. Cryptorchidism is an abnormally positioned testis. The undescended testis can be located anywhere between the abdominal cavity and just outside the anatomical scrotum. This study was conducted to determine some etiologic factors in cryptorchidism.

Materials & Methods: In an analytical cross-sectional study, we examined 1100 male alive neonates born in the Neonatal Ward of Fatima Hospital in Hamadan. Gestational age and weight, positive family history, maternal pre-eclampsia, laterality, bilaterality and other genital organ abnormalities were recorded by physical examination and interview with mothers and then statistical analysis were done.   

Results: Prevalence of cryptorchidism at birth was 3.82% (1.9% in full-term birth and 14.5% in preterm birth).  In 75% of cases, cryptorchidism was unilateral (63% right side, 37% left side), and 25% was bilateral. Association of cryptorchidism with hypospadiasis was 28.6%, with Hydrocele 14.3% and with Chordee 7.7%. Prevalence of cryptorchidism at neonates with low birth weight (<2500gr) was 14% and in neonates with normal birth weight (>=2500gr) was 2.1%.  Maternal occupational exposure and maternal history of pre-eclampsia were two main high-risk factors associated with cryptorchidism. Prevalence of cryptorchidism at neonates with maternal history of pre-eclampsia was 22.4%.

Conclusion: Prevalence of cryptorchidism at birth was 3.82%. Preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal pre-eclampsia and maternal occupational exposures were the important risk factors for cryptorchidism.