Which of the Anthropometric Parameters and Hormonal Variables in Prepubertal Children Are Correlated to True Micropenis?

Abstract

Background: Most issues of micropenis boys include poor body image and quality of life. Objectives: The purpose of this assay was to survey the relationship of anthropometric measures, testosterone, estradiol, gonadotropins and prolactin with stretched penile length (SPL) and flaccid glans-pubis length (GPL) in pre-pubertal boys with true small penis. Methods: This was prospective a cross-sectional observational study that was conducted in Imam Reza Hospital, Tehran, Iran from February 2015 to May 2020. The pre-pubertal children 7 - 14 years who referred with small penis size were evaluated by a pediatrician and urologist and, if they had true micropenis, they were enrolled in the study (n = 236). The anthropometric and hormonal measurements, SPL, GPL, and relationship of these variables were evaluated. Results: Mean ages of children were 11.65 ± 1.59 years. Mean SPL and GPL were 2.95 ± 1.23 and 2.29 ± 1.06 cm, respectively. There was a significant relationship between SPL and GPL (r = 0.976, P = 0.000). SPL and GPL were not correlated with BMI (r = -0.182, P = 0.054; r = -0.161, P = 0.089, respectively). A significant correlation was found between SPL and GPL with height, FSH, LH, Testosterone and T/E ratio (P < 0.01) but no correlation with weight, estradiol and prolactin (> 0.05). Conclusions: According to the finding of present study, the flaccid measurement can be as helpful as stretched measurement if it is done from pubic bone to tip of glans. Retraining of primary health workers about age-related penile length may be reducing the misdiagnosis of micropenis and concerns of parents, especially in obese boys. The penile length in prepubertal children was not related to BMI and weight but was significantly related to height. Furthermore, Estradiol level is not related to penile length in children with micropenis.