Gonadal effects of chlorambucil given to prepubertal and pubertal boys for nephrotic syndrome

J Pediatr. 1978 Feb;92(2):299-303. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(78)80031-6.

Abstract

To assess the gonadal effects of chlorambucil given to prepubertal and pubertal boys, testicular function of 21 adolescents or young men, treated with chlorambucil for nephrotic syndrome before or during puberty, have been evaluated. Evaluations have been based on penis and testicular size, serum FSH, LH and testosterone values, and sperm count. Nine patients have testicular hypotrophy, 13 have significantly elevated FSH, 17 have azoospermia, two have severe oligospermia, and repetitive sperm counts show no improvement. A quiescent state of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules does not protect against chlorambucil toxicity, which seems to be related to the cumulative dose. Chlorambucil should be used with caution, even in children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cell Count
  • Child
  • Chlorambucil / adverse effects*
  • Chlorambucil / therapeutic use
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Oligospermia / chemically induced
  • Penis / pathology
  • Puberty*
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / pathology
  • Testis / physiopathology
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Chlorambucil
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone