The Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio in Cryptorchidism: A Case-Control Study.
10.4111/kju.2014.55.2.140
- Author:
Hawook HWANG
1
;
Hyun Wook JO
;
Bongju YUN
;
Taewoo KIM
;
Daeseon YU
;
Jinsung PARK
;
Dae Kyeng KIM
;
Seung Hyo WOO
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. woosing@eulji.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Anthropometry;
Child;
Cryptorchidism;
Fingers
- MeSH:
Anthropometry;
Case-Control Studies*;
Child;
Cryptorchidism*;
Extremities;
Female;
Fingers;
Genes, Homeobox;
Hand;
Humans;
Infant;
Male;
Prospective Studies;
Research Personnel
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2014;55(2):140-144
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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 (2D:4Ds) 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 2D:4D values of the right hand were 0.946, 0.945, 0.952, and 0.969, respectively. The right and left 2D:4D ratios were not significantly different among groups. The 2D:4D of both hands was not related to age, weight, or height. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, the 2D:4D 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.
