Penile length and cord total and free testosterone in full term male Egyptian neonates

Abstract

BackgroundIt is inappropriate to use universal reference values to interpret stretched penile length measurements and testosterone concentrations in newborns with variable ethnic backgrounds. ObjectiveTo establish normal reference values for stretched penile length, free and total testosterone concentrations in fullterm Egyptian newborn and to correlate them with anthropometric parameters. Methods180 fullterm healthy newborn boys to uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries were enrolled. Penile length, weight, length, occipitofrontal circumference were measured within 24h of birth. Total and free testosterone concentrations were assayed. ResultsThe mean penile length was 3.14±0.38cm, the mean free testosterone was 13.76±8.67pg/ml, mean total testosterone was 1.98±1.35ng/ml. Penile length correlated positively to birth weight, to crown heel length and to penile length/crown heel length ratio. Penile length correlated positively to free and total testosterone. Total testosterone level correlated positively to crown heel length and to free testosterone. ConclusionOur study is a step toward achieving accurate reference charts for Egyptian male newborns. A multicenter, larger scale study is needed to establish Egyptian norms.