Primary infertility in 45-year-old man with untreated 21-hydroxylase deficiency: successful outcome with glucocorticoid therapy

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Jun;87(6):2442-5. doi: 10.1210/jcem.87.6.8616.

Abstract

We describe a 45-yr-old man, who presented with primary infertility of 2 yr. He had small testicles with severe oligoasthenozoospermia and low serum gonadotropins, but normal serum T. The suppression of gonadotropin secretion by increased adrenal steroids due to untreated 21-hydroxylase deficiency appeared to underlie the failure in spermatogenesis. Hydrocortisone treatment was started and was modified later to include prednisolone to get optimal suppression of the secretion of ACTH and adrenal steroids. Within a few months, the gonadotropin levels became normal, and spermatogenesis was improved. A normal pregnancy was achieved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase / deficiency*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use*
  • Infertility, Male / etiology*
  • Male
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / complications*
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / drug therapy*
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Pregnancy
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone
  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • Hydrocortisone