The Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio in Cryptorchidism: A Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The homeobox (Hox) genes a and d controlling limb and genital development influence the digit ratio and the fetal production of testicular androgen, which may result in testicular descent in boys. To assess whether the digit ratio reflects disease status, we investigated the second and fourth finger lengths in children with cryptorchidism, in children with hydrocele as a disease control, and in healthy controls (boys and girls). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-six children (46 with cryptorchidism, 50 with hydrocele, 50 healthy boys, and 50 healthy girls) who were 6 to 23 months of age were prospectively enrolled. Digit lengths were measured by 2 investigators, and the mean value was recorded. RESULTS: The second-to-fourth digit ratios (2D4Ds) of the left hand in the cryptorchidism group, hydrocele group, healthy boys, and healthy girls were 0.958, 0.956, 0.950, and 0.956, respectively. The 2D4D values of the right hand were 0.946, 0.945, 0.952, and 0.969, respectively. The right and left 2D4D ratios were not significantly different among groups. The 2D4D of both hands was not related to age, weight, or height. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, the 2D4D was not significantly different in boys with cryptorchidism than in boys with hydrocele or in healthy controls (boys and girls) and failed to reflect disease conditions in the infant period.