Τίτλος:
Cryptorchidism: seasonal variations in Greece do not support the theory
of light
Γλώσσες Τεκμηρίου:
Αγγλικά
Περίληψη:
To examine seasonal trends of cryptorchidism in Greece, 583 males with
true isolated cryptorchidism were analyzed. All 208 912 live-born boys
born during the same period were used as a comparison group. Seasonality
by month of birth was evaluated using both Edwards’ model with adjusted
frequencies and exact theta(i), and Walter-Elwood method with exact
theta(i). Both tests resulted in consistent findings. The incidence of
cryptorchid births in Greece follows a documented cyclic pattern of
simple harmonic type with spring being the season of statistical
predominance (peak in March with a second, almost equivalent, peak in
May). In contrast, in autumn the incidence of cryptorchid births was
considerably lower (trough in September). Given the fact that no
significant differences in daylight length are found among seasons in
Greece. the detection of a significant seasonal variation suggests that
factors other than light are involved in the pathogenesis of
cryptorchidsm. Low environmental temperature is proposed as a causative
factor negatively influencing the maternal hCG profiles and the
inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent. This is further supported
by: (i) the similarity of our results to those reported by other
European countries of different longitude and geographical width and
(ii) our data showing significantly smaller maternal hCG profiles at the
26th week of gestation during winter compared with summer.
‘...Whoever wishes to investigate medicine properly should proceed thus:
In the first place to consider seasons of the year and what effect of
them produces...’ Hippocrates: Airs, Waters and Places.
Συγγραφείς:
Mamoulakis, C
Antypas, S
Stamatiadou, A
Demetriadis, D and
Kanakas, N
Loutradis, D
Miyagawa, I
Yannakis, D
Kaponis,
A
Tzonou, A
Giannakopoulos, X
Sofikitis, N
Περιοδικό:
Andrologia : Official Journal of Comite International De Andrologia (CIDA)
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
child; cryptorchidism; seasonality; sex hormones; testis; beta HCG in
late pregnancy
DOI:
10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00492.x
