The influence of oblique inguinal hernia on testicle volume and serum inhibin B in children under 2 years old

Abstract

Objective To explore the influence of oblique inguinal hernia on testicle volume and serum inhibin B (Inh B) in children under 2 years old. Methods 127 patients with left oblique inguinal hernia were set as hernia group, 132 patients with cryptorchidism was set to cryptorchidism group, and 185 normal children with similar age with children in above groups were control group. The children in each group were divided into two subgroups (6-12 months subgroup and 13-24 months subgroup) according to differential age. The testicle volume and Inh B level were tested in various subgroups. Results ①Comparison of serum Inh B level:in 6-12 months subgroup InhB level in control group, hernia group and cryptorchidism group was respectively 196.90 ± 22.78 pg/ml, 114.69 ±102.87 pg/ml and 70.50 ± 54.09 pg/ml. Compared with control, both hernia and cryptorchidism group had lower level (P＜0.01). The level in cryptorchidism group were much lower than hernia group; in 13-24 months subgroup Inh B level of control, hernia group and cryptorchidism group was respectively 175.99 ± 22.83 pg/ml, 72.00 ± 48.02 pg/ml and 66.01 ± 38.92 pg/ml. Compared with control, both hernia and cryptorchidism group had lower level (P＜0.01 ). No difference between hernia and cryptorchidism group was seen (P =0.37). ② The course of disease in 13-24 months subgroup in hernia group was 9.2 ± 5.2months, which longer than that in 6-12 months subgroup 5.1 ± 2.6months(P＜0.01 ). ③6-12 month subgroup:The correlation between Inh B level and course of disease in hernia group was not significant, but in 13-24 months subgroup(r =-0.272, P =0.019). It showed longer course of disease and lower Inh B level. ④6-12 months subgroup:The left testicular volume in hernia group(0.48 ± 0.18 cm3 ) was larger than the right side (0.38 ± 0.17 cm3 ) (P =0.019) and control group(0.39 ± 0.16 cm3 ) (P =0.038), but the right testicular volume in hernia group was smaller than the right side in control group (. 45 ± 0.20 cm3 ) (P =0.105). In 13-24months subgroup:no difference could be noted among left and right as well as normal testicular volume. Conclusions Oblique inguinal hernia can contribute to testicular enlarge in earlier stage and reduce the serum Inh B level, furthermore, present negative correlation with course of disease. There fore, the patients with oblique inguinal hernia should undergo surgery in relatively earlier time. Key words: Hernia, inguinal;  Inhibin B;  Testis