Prevalence and surgical management of pubic hypertrophy in hypospadias patients: results from a high-volume surgeon

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pubic hypertrophy, defined as an abnormal and abundant round mass of fatty tissue located over the pubic symphysis, is frequently underestimated in patients with hypospadias. We examined the prevalence of this condition, as well as the outcomes associated with its surgical treatment. Material and methods: Within 266 hypospadias patients treated at our clinic, we assessed the prevalence of pubic hypertrophy, and we schematically described the surgical steps of pubic lipectomy. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) tested for predictors of pubic hypertrophy. Finally, separate MLRs tested for predictors of fistula and any complications after pubic lipectomy. Results: Of 266 hypospadias patients, 100 (37.6%) presented pubic hypertrophy and underwent pubic lipectomy. Patients with pubic hypertrophy more frequently had proximal hypospadias (44 vs. 7.8%), disorders of sex development (DSD) (10 vs. 0.6%), cryptorchidism (12 vs. 2.4%), and moderate (30°-60°) or severe (>60°) penile curvature (33 vs. 4.2%). In MLR, the location of urethral meatus (proximal, Odds ratio [OR]: 10.1, p<0.001) was the only significant predictor of pubic hypertrophy. Finally, pubic lipectomy was not associated with increased risk of fistula (OR: 1.12, p=0.7) or any complications (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.64-2.88, p=0.4) after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: One out of three hypospadias patients, referred to our center, presented pubic hypertrophy and received pubic lipectomy. This rate was higher in patients with proximal hypospadias suggesting a correlation between pubic hypertrophy and severity of hypospadias. Noteworthy, pubic lipectomy was not associated with increased risk of fistula or any complications.

ECLAMC Study: prevalence patterns of hypospadias in South America: multi-national analysis over a 24-year period

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate prevalence trends of hypospadias in South-America it is essential to perform multicenter and multinational studies with the same methodology. Herein we present systematic data as part of an international multicenter initiative evaluating congenital malformations in South America over a 24-year period. Materials and Methods A nested case-control study was conducted using the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC), between January 1989 and December 2012. Cases were stratified as isolated (IH) and non-isolated hypospadias (NIH). Global prevalence was calculated and discriminated by country. Associations between birth weight and gestational age, and NIH distribution by associated abnormality and severity of hypospadias, were analyzed. Results A total of 159 hospitals from six countries participated, reporting surveillance on 4.020.384 newborns. A total of 4.537 hypospadias cases were detected, with a global prevalence of 11.3/10.000 newborns. Trend analyses showed in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay a statistically significant increase in prevalence. Analysis of severity and associated anomalies did not to find an association for distal cases, but did for proximal (RR=1.64 [95% CI=1.33-2.03]). Conclusion This is one of only a few Latin American multicenter studies reporting on the epidemiology of hypospadias in South America in the last two decades. Our data adds to evidence suggesting an increase in some countries in the region at different times. There were also variations in prevalence according to severity. This study adds to literature describing associated anomalies at a hospital-based level.

Craniofacial anomalies associated with hypospadias. Description of a hospital based population in South America

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypospadias is a congenital abnormality of the penis, in which there is incomplete development of the distal urethra. There are numerous reports showing an increase of prevalence of hypospadias. Association of craniofacial malformations in patients diagnosed with hypospadias is rare. The aim of this study is to describe the association between hypospadias and craniofacial congenital anomalies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the Latin-American collaborative study of congenital malformations (ECLAMC) data was performed between January 1982 and December 2011. We included children diagnosed with associated hypospadias and among them we selected those that were associated with any craniofacial congenital anomaly. Results: Global prevalence was 11.3 per 10.000 newborns. In this population a total of 809 patients with 1117 associated anomalies were identified. On average there were 1.7 anomalies per patient. Facial anomalies were present in 13.2%. The most commonly major facial anomaly associated to hypospadias was cleft lip/palate with 52 cases. We identified that 18% have an association with other anomalies, and found an association between craniofacial anomalies and hypospadias in 0.59 cases/10.000 newborns. Discussion: Hypospadias is the most common congenital anomaly affecting the genitals. Its association with other anomalies is rare. It has been reported that other malformations occur in 29.3% of the cases with hypospadias. The more proximal the meatus, the higher the risk for having another associated anomaly. Conclusion: Associated hypospadias are rare, and it is important to identify the concurrent occurrence of craniofacial anomalies to better treat patients that might need a multidisciplinary approach.

Inpatients hypospadias care: Trends and outcomes from the American nationwide inpatient sample

PURPOSE: Hypospadias is the most common congenital penile anomaly. Information about current utilization patterns of inpatient hypospadias repair as well as complication rates remain poorly evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify all patients undergoing inpatient hypospadias repair between 1998 and 2010. Patient and hospital characteristics were attained and outcomes of interest included intra- and immediate postoperative complications. Utilization was evaluated temporally and also according to patient and hospital characteristics. Predictors of complications and excess length of stay were evaluated by logistic regression models. RESULTS: A weighted 10,201 patients underwent inpatient hypospadias repair between 1998 and 2010. Half were infants (52.2%), and were operated in urban and teaching hospitals. Trend analyses demonstrated a decline in incidence of inpatient hypospadias repair (estimated annual percentage change, -6.80%; range, -0.51% to -12.69%; p=0.037). Postoperative complication rate was 4.9% and most commonly wound-related. Hospital volume was inversely related to complication rates. Specifically, higher hospital volume (>31 cases annually) was the only variable associated with decreased postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient hypospadias repair have substantially decreased since the late 1990's. Older age groups and presumably more complex procedures constitute most of the inpatient procedures nowadays.

Prevalência de anormalidades genitais em recém-nascidos / Prevalence of genital abnormalities in neonates

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência e descrever alterações da morfologia genital em recém-nascidos em duas maternidades-escola de gestão pública. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso/controle, descritivo, transversal. Utilizou-se protocolo clínico para avaliação da morfologia genital de 2.916 recém-nascidos entre 19/04/2010 e 18/04/2011. O grupo controle foi formado pelos nascimentos sem anormalidades morfológicas ocorridos no dia e na maternidade em que o caso foi detectado. Teste exato de Fisher foi utilizado para análises de variáveis categóricas, e de Kruskal-Wallis, para igualdade de médias. RESULTADOS: Foram detectados 29 recém-nascidos com anormalidade genital (1:100). A maioria (93,2%) foi examinada nos três primeiros dias de vida e apresentava apenas uma anormalidade. Os defeitos morfológicos compreenderam: ambiguidade genital evidente (1/29), fusão posterior de grandes lábios (1/29), micropênis (2/29), clitoromegalia (6/29), criptorquidia bilateral (6/29), hipospádia (9/29) e defeitos combinados (4/29) casos. Em apenas um caso os campos da Declaração de Nascido Vivo foram preenchidos corretamente. Prematuridade foi observada em 13/29, sendo esta a única variável estatisticamente associada à presença de anormalidade genital. Oito casos aderiram à proposta de investigação complementar, entre os quais três tiveram diagnóstico clínico de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo. CONCLUSÕES: Evidenciou-se alta prevalência, subdiagnóstico e sub-registro de defeitos genitais nas maternidades estudadas. Os resultados reforçam a importância do exame cuidadoso de recém-nascidos com o objetivo de identificar anormalidades genitais sutis que podem compor o quadro clínico de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of genital abnormalities among neonates in two public maternity-schools. METHODS: Case-control, cross-sectional descriptive study. Genital morphology of 2,916 neonates was assessed using a clinical protocol between 04/19/2010 and 04/18/2011. Control group included neonates without birth defects, born at the same maternity unit and in the same day in which a case was identified. Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistics. RESULTS: The study identified 29 (1:100) neonates with genital abnormalities. Most of them were examined within 3 days of life and presented only one genital defect. Morphological abnormalities comprised: genital ambiguity (1/29), fusion of labia majora (1/29), micropenis (2/29), enlarged clitoris (6/29), hypospadia (9/29), and combined defects (4/29). Only one case reported the genital abnormality in the statement of live birth correctly. Prematurity occurred in 13/29 cases and was the only variable statistically associated with genital defects. Eight cases agreed on the complementary investigation of the genital defect, among which three were diagnosed with disorder of sex development. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of genital abnormalities in the maternity units included in the present study and most cases are under-diagnosed and under-reported. Our results reinforce the importance of a careful examination of genital morphology in neonatal period towards the recognition of minor defects that can be clinical features of a disorder of sex development.

Malformaciones urinarias del recién nacido: estudio ECLAMC 1998-2010 / Urinary malformations among newborns: ECLAMC registry, 1998-2010

Introduction: Congenital abnormalities of the Urinary Tract are frequent and prevalence has increased since the introduction of routine prenatal sonogram. Objectives: To determine the prevalence rate of congenital urinary malformations at birth at Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. These data will be compared to other Chilean hospitals participating in ECLAMC (Estudio Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformaciones Congénitas - Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations). A longitudinal study will serve to evaluate if significant variation has occurred, and risk factors will be investigated. Patients and Methods: All births occurring between January, 1998 and December, 2010 were included. Prevalence rate of urinary malformations were calculated, and compared to those obtained in previous years. Statistical analysis of proportions was calculated through mean and average comparison was made through Student t test. Results: Urinary anomalies appeared at a rate of 64.5 per 10.000 births. This represents a significant increase from previous studies. Highest risk factor seemed to be "other family members with disease". Most frequent anomaly was Hydroureteronphrosis (24,2 percent) followed by Hypospadias (17 percent). The rate of these malformations in ECLAMC participating Chilean hospitales was 23.37/10.000 births. Conclusion: A significant increase in the diagnosis of these anomalies was shown, being the most important risk factor the presence of family members with similar congenital disorders.

Introducción: Las anomalías congénitas del Aparato Urinario son frecuentes y ha aumentado su prevalencia al nacimiento con la introducción rutinaria del estudio prenatal por ultrasonografía. Objetivos: Determinar la Tasa de prevalencia al nacimiento de las malformaciones urinarias en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Compararlas con las del resto de los hospitales chilenos que participan en el ECLAMC (Estudio Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformaciones Congénitas). Estudiarlas a lo largo del tiempo para ver si han tenido variaciones significativas. Investigar factores de riesgo que pueden influir en la aparición de ellas. Pacientes y Método: Se estudió todos los nacimientos ocurridos entre Enero de 1998 y Diciembre de 2010 en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Se calculó las tasas de prevalencia al nacimiento de las malformaciones urinarias y se las comparó con las obtenidas en períodos anteriores. El análisis estadístico de comparación de proporciones se realizó mediante la prueba de c² y las comparaciones entre promedios se hicieron mediante prueba t de Student. Resultados: La tasa de Anomalías urinarias fue 64,5 por 10 000 nacimientos. Ellas aumentaron significativamente al compararlas con los períodos estudiados anteriormente. El factor de riesgo más influyente fue "otros malformados en la familia". La anomalía más frecuente fue Hidroureteronefrosis (24,2 por ciento) seguida por Hipospadias (17 por ciento). La tasa de estas malformaciones en los hospitales chilenos participantes del ECLAMC fue 23,37/10 000 nacimientos. Conclusión: Se demuestra un incremento significativo del diagnóstico de estas anomalías, siendo el factor de riesgo más importante el antecedente de otros malformados en la familia.

¿Existen relaciones entre los factores ambientales rurales y la salud reproductiva en la Pampa Húmeda Argentina? / Is there any relationship between rural environmental factors and reproductive health in the Pampa Humeda in Argentina?

La relación entre factores ambientales y salud es un hecho reconocido. La influencia de ambientes rurales sobre la salud reproductiva ha sido fehacientemente probada en diferentes regiones del mundo, tanto en la fauna como en humanos. En América Latina pocas investigaciones han sido realizadas en este campo. El presente proyecto se establece sobre la base de la describir las relaciones entre salud reproductiva y factores ambientales en poblaciones rurales, caracterizada por aspectos ambientales particulares. Tres variables han sido evaluadas: relación de nacimientos masculinos/femeninos; incidencia de malformaciones uro-genitales masculinas (hipospadias y criptorquidias); e incidencia de cánceres hormono-dependientes. Se seleccionaron cinco comunidades rurales de la Pampa Húmeda de Argentina, comparándose los datos obtenidos con medias nacionales. Los datos bio-médicos y las fuentes ambientales de riesgo fueron relacionados entre sí a través de un sistema de geo-referenciación. La relación de nacimientos no mostró significación. Las malformaciones presentaron una muy significativa incidencia. Los cánceres hormono-dependientes presentaron incidencia mayores a las medias nacionales, particularmente en algunas de las comunidades estudiadas. Se concluye que existe una relación entre condiciones de salud reproductiva y factores ambientales en esta región.

The relationship between environmental factors and health is well known. Rural environmental influences on reproductive health have been properly proved, both in animals and humans. In Latin America, few studies have been conducted in this area. The current project is based on the description of relationships between reproductive health and environmental factors in rural populations, characterized by specific environmental characteristics. Three variables were evaluated: male-to-female birth ratio, male urogenital malformations (cryptorchidism and hypospadias), and endocrine-related cancer incidence. Five rural communities in the Pampa Humeda in Argentina were selected, and the data were compared to the national mean. Biomedical data and environmental risk factors were correlated through a geographic information system. The ratio of male to female births did not show any differences. Malformations showed very significant differences. Endocrine-related cancers showed higher incidence rates compared to the national mean, particularly in some communities. In conclusion, there is a relationship between environmental factors and reproductive health conditions in this region.

[External genital anomalies in newborn babies]

External genital anomalies are common congenital anomalies, especially in male newborns. It seems that the incidence of these anomalies is increasing. Although the etiology of these anomalies is obscure in most cases, genetic and environmental factors have important roles. This study aimed to determine the types and frequency of these anomalies in newborn babies and to compare the results with those of a study which was conducted in the same hospital in 1991. In a descriptive analytic and cross-sectional study, all babies born March 2005 to February 2006 in Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz, were recruited. 6800 newborns consisting of 3475 [51.1%] boys and 3325 [48.9%] girls were studied. No anomaly was found in girl newborns, but 6.6% of boys had external genital anomalies. Undescended testis and hypospadias were first and second common anomalies. In comparison with the previous study, the frequency of anomalies was higher in preterm and low birth weight babies, babies of related parents and older mothers. The frequency of external genital anomalies had an ascending trend in the last decade. Low birth weight, preterm delivery, high maternal age, and related parents are risk factors for these anomalies

Inguinal hernias and genital abnormalities in young Jordanian males

This study was carried out to document the prevalence of inguinal hernia, hypospadias, undescended testis and varicocele in 3057 male applicants to the military wing of Mu'ta University in the south of Jordan. Age range was 17-20 years. A total of 250 men had one of the 4 conditions: 93 [3.0%] had inguinal hernia; 15 [0.5%] had undescended testis [26.7% bilateral]; 59 [1.9%] had hypospadias; 83 [2.7%] had varicocele [98.79% on the left side]. Prevalence of inguinal hernia and undescended testis were comparable with international prevalence rates, while the rate for hypospadias was higher and that for varicocele lower. A birth defects registration system would help in planning preventive and treatment strategies

Malformaciones congénitas y exposición a pesticidas / Congenital malformations and pesticide exposure

Background: Chronic pesticide exposure is a recognized risk for human health. The frequency of congenital malformations in exposed people, can be used for epidemiological studies assessing reproductive risk secondary to toxic exposure. Aim: To study the association between the incidence of congenital malformations and parent's exposure to pesticides. Material and methods: A prospective study of cases and controls. The exposure could be caused by occupational activities or residence around fumigated crops. The records of cases and controls from the surveillance carried out in the Hospital Regional de Rancagua were analyzed. This hospital is active member of a collaborative study of congenital malformations in Latin America. Results: In two years there was a total of 453 newborns (18 stillborn) with congenital malformations, with an incidence of 41.24 ä. Considering only children born alive, the paired analysis of cases and controls showed an association of congenital malformations with a history of maternal exposure, with an attributable fraction of 54.4 percent. Conclusions: These results, showing an association between pesticide exposure and congenital malformations, should be analyzed in the future by a logistic regression test

Uso de progestogênios no início da gestaçäo e risco fetal de hipospadia / Use of progestagens in the early stages of pregnancy and fetal risk of hypospadias

O propósito do presente estudo é determinar a presença de fatores de risco envolvidos no determinismo das hipospadias. Utilizou-se dados relativos a 33535 nascimentos, ocorridos entre julho de 1973 e dezembro de 1986, no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de Sao Paulo. A coleta de dados foi realizada de maneira prospectiva, de acordo com o preconizado pelo Estudo Colaborativo Latino-Americano de Malformaçoes Congênitas (ECLAMC). Foram observados 56 casos de hipospadia (l,67/1000 nascimentos), sendo esta freqüência superior à relatada no restante da América Latina. Este achado pode estar relacionado ao uso significativamente maior de hormônios sexuais (particularmente progestogênios) no início da gestaçao, por maes de afetados em relaçao aos controles.

Crescimento intra-uterino retardado em conceptos portadores de hipospadias, defeitos de fechamento do tuboneural e fissuras labiopalatinas / Intrauterine growth retardation related to fetal malformations as hypospadia, cleft lip and palate and neural tube defects

O propósito deste trabalho é determinar a freqüência de crescimento intra-uterino retardado em recém-nascidos portadores de hipospadia, fissuras labiopalatinas e defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural. Tais malformaçoes foram escolhidas por sua freqüência e importância médica. Foram utilizados dados de 33535 nascimentos ocorridos no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de Sao Paulo. A coleta de dados foi realizada de maneira prospectiva de acordo com o protocolo do Estudo Colaborativo Latino-Americano de Malformaçoes Congênitas (ECLAMC). Observou-se elevada prevalência de crescimento intra-uterino retardado nos três grupos de maíformaçoes: hipospadias (l4,3 por cento), fissuras labiopalatinas (l5,4 por cento) e defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural (38,5 por cento).