1.Factors Influencing Nerinetide Effect on Clinical Outcome in Patients Without Alteplase Treatment in the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial
Mayank GOYAL ; Bijoy K. MENON ; Johanna OSPEL ; Mohammed ALMEKHLAFI ; Charlotte ZERNA ; Raul NOGUEIRA ; Ryan MCTAGGART ; Andrew M. DEMCHUK ; Alexandre Y. POPPE ; Brian BUCK ; Kathy HEARD ; Manish JOSHI ; Diogo HAUSSEN ; Shawna CUTTING ; Shelagh B. COUTTS ; Daniel ROY ; Jeremy L. REMPEL ; Thalia S. FIELD ; Dar DOWLATSHAHI ; Brian van ADEL ; Richard SWARTZ ; Ruchir SHAH ; Eric SAUVAGEAU ; Volker PUETZ ; Frank L. SILVER ; Bruce CAMPBELL ; René CHAPOT ; Michael TYMIANSKI ; Michael D. HILL ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):95-101
Background:
and Purpose In the ESCAPE-NA1 (Efficacy and Safety of Nerinetide for the Treatment of Acute Ischaemic Stroke) trial, treatment with nerinetide was associated with improved outcomes in patients who did not receive intravenous alteplase. We compared the effect of nerinetide on clinical outcomes in patients without concurrent intravenous alteplase treatment within different patient subgroups.
Methods:
ESCAPE-NA1 was a multicenter randomized trial in which acute stroke patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) >4 undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) were randomized to intravenous nerinetide or placebo. The primary outcome was independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) at 90 days. We assessed baseline, clinical, and imaging variables as predictors of outcome and for evidence of treatment effect modification. We constructed two multivariable models using variables known prior to randomization and variables known immediately post-EVT procedure to provide adjusted estimates of effect. We assessed for evidence of treatment effect modification using multiplicative interaction terms within each model.
Results:
Four hundred forty-six patients were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes were better in patients randomized to the nerinetide arm (mRS 0–2: 59.4% vs. 49.8%). There was possible treatment effect modification by ASPECTS score; patients with ASPECTS 8–10 showed a larger treatment effect compared to those with lower ASPECTS score. Younger age, lower NIHSS score, lower baseline serum glucose, absence of atrial fibrillation at baseline, higher ASPECTS score, middle cerebral artery (vs. internal carotid artery) occlusion, use of conscious or no sedation (vs. general anesthesia), and faster treatment were all predictors of favorable outcome.
Conclusion
Patients in the nerinetide arm who were not treated with concurrent alteplase showed improved clinical outcomes and the treatment effect was larger among patients with favorable ASPECTS profiles.
2.Regenerative Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction:A Survey on Current Global Practice Trends and GAF Expert Recommendations
Manaf Al HASHIMI ; Germar-M PINGGERA ; Taymour MOSTAFA ; Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Taha HAMODA ; Rupin SHAH ; Eric CHUNG ; Ahmed HARRAZ ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Omer RAHEEM ; Carlo GIULIONI ; Ponco BIROWO ; Luca BOERI ; Yassir JASSIM ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Ranjit VISHWAKARMA ; Bahadir SAHIN ; Widi ATMOKO ; Safar GAMIDOV ; Cesar ROJAS-CRUZ ; Darren KATZ ; Adriano FREGONESI ; Nazim GHERABI ; Armand ZINI ; Christopher Chee Kong HO ; Mohamed S. AL-MARHOON ; Marlon MARTINEZ ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Ayman RASHED ; Gian Maria BUSETTO ; Edmund KO ; Hyun Jun PARK ; Selahittin CAYAN ; Ramadan SALEH ; Osvaldo RAJMIL ; Dong Suk KIM ; Giovanni COLPI ; Ryan SMITH ; Maged RAGAB ; Ates KADIOGLU ; Quang NGUYEN ; Kadir BOCU ; Ahmed EL-SAKKA ; Charalampos THOMAS ; Hussain M ALNAJJAR ; Hiva ALIPOUR ; Ashok AGARWAL
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):359-375
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines.
Materials and Methods:
A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method.
Results:
Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support.
Conclusions
This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.
3.Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of NonObstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Rupin SHAH ; Imad ZIOUZIOU ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Gianmaria SALVIO ; Murat GUL ; Taha HAMODA ; Parviz KAVOUSSI ; Widi ATMOKO ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Ponco BIROWO ; Edmund KO ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Ramy Abou GHAYDA ; Vilvapathy Senguttuvan KARTHIKEYAN ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Germar-Michael PINGGERA ; Eric CHUNG ; Ashok AGARWAL ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):92-122
Purpose:
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.
Materials and Methods:
A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.
Results:
Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12–19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20–40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.
Conclusions
This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.
4.Regenerative Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction:A Survey on Current Global Practice Trends and GAF Expert Recommendations
Manaf Al HASHIMI ; Germar-M PINGGERA ; Taymour MOSTAFA ; Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Taha HAMODA ; Rupin SHAH ; Eric CHUNG ; Ahmed HARRAZ ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Omer RAHEEM ; Carlo GIULIONI ; Ponco BIROWO ; Luca BOERI ; Yassir JASSIM ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Ranjit VISHWAKARMA ; Bahadir SAHIN ; Widi ATMOKO ; Safar GAMIDOV ; Cesar ROJAS-CRUZ ; Darren KATZ ; Adriano FREGONESI ; Nazim GHERABI ; Armand ZINI ; Christopher Chee Kong HO ; Mohamed S. AL-MARHOON ; Marlon MARTINEZ ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Ayman RASHED ; Gian Maria BUSETTO ; Edmund KO ; Hyun Jun PARK ; Selahittin CAYAN ; Ramadan SALEH ; Osvaldo RAJMIL ; Dong Suk KIM ; Giovanni COLPI ; Ryan SMITH ; Maged RAGAB ; Ates KADIOGLU ; Quang NGUYEN ; Kadir BOCU ; Ahmed EL-SAKKA ; Charalampos THOMAS ; Hussain M ALNAJJAR ; Hiva ALIPOUR ; Ashok AGARWAL
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):359-375
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines.
Materials and Methods:
A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method.
Results:
Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support.
Conclusions
This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.
5.Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of NonObstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Rupin SHAH ; Imad ZIOUZIOU ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Gianmaria SALVIO ; Murat GUL ; Taha HAMODA ; Parviz KAVOUSSI ; Widi ATMOKO ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Ponco BIROWO ; Edmund KO ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Ramy Abou GHAYDA ; Vilvapathy Senguttuvan KARTHIKEYAN ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Germar-Michael PINGGERA ; Eric CHUNG ; Ashok AGARWAL ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):92-122
Purpose:
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.
Materials and Methods:
A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.
Results:
Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12–19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20–40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.
Conclusions
This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.
6.Regenerative Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction:A Survey on Current Global Practice Trends and GAF Expert Recommendations
Manaf Al HASHIMI ; Germar-M PINGGERA ; Taymour MOSTAFA ; Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Taha HAMODA ; Rupin SHAH ; Eric CHUNG ; Ahmed HARRAZ ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Omer RAHEEM ; Carlo GIULIONI ; Ponco BIROWO ; Luca BOERI ; Yassir JASSIM ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Ranjit VISHWAKARMA ; Bahadir SAHIN ; Widi ATMOKO ; Safar GAMIDOV ; Cesar ROJAS-CRUZ ; Darren KATZ ; Adriano FREGONESI ; Nazim GHERABI ; Armand ZINI ; Christopher Chee Kong HO ; Mohamed S. AL-MARHOON ; Marlon MARTINEZ ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Ayman RASHED ; Gian Maria BUSETTO ; Edmund KO ; Hyun Jun PARK ; Selahittin CAYAN ; Ramadan SALEH ; Osvaldo RAJMIL ; Dong Suk KIM ; Giovanni COLPI ; Ryan SMITH ; Maged RAGAB ; Ates KADIOGLU ; Quang NGUYEN ; Kadir BOCU ; Ahmed EL-SAKKA ; Charalampos THOMAS ; Hussain M ALNAJJAR ; Hiva ALIPOUR ; Ashok AGARWAL
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):359-375
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines.
Materials and Methods:
A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method.
Results:
Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support.
Conclusions
This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.
7.Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of NonObstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Rupin SHAH ; Imad ZIOUZIOU ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Gianmaria SALVIO ; Murat GUL ; Taha HAMODA ; Parviz KAVOUSSI ; Widi ATMOKO ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Ponco BIROWO ; Edmund KO ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Ramy Abou GHAYDA ; Vilvapathy Senguttuvan KARTHIKEYAN ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Germar-Michael PINGGERA ; Eric CHUNG ; Ashok AGARWAL ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):92-122
Purpose:
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.
Materials and Methods:
A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.
Results:
Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12–19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20–40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.
Conclusions
This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.
8.Factors Influencing Nerinetide Effect on Clinical Outcome in Patients Without Alteplase Treatment in the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial
Mayank GOYAL ; Bijoy K. MENON ; Johanna OSPEL ; Mohammed ALMEKHLAFI ; Charlotte ZERNA ; Raul NOGUEIRA ; Ryan MCTAGGART ; Andrew M. DEMCHUK ; Alexandre Y. POPPE ; Brian BUCK ; Kathy HEARD ; Manish JOSHI ; Diogo HAUSSEN ; Shawna CUTTING ; Shelagh B. COUTTS ; Daniel ROY ; Jeremy L. REMPEL ; Thalia S. FIELD ; Dar DOWLATSHAHI ; Brian van ADEL ; Richard SWARTZ ; Ruchir SHAH ; Eric SAUVAGEAU ; Volker PUETZ ; Frank L. SILVER ; Bruce CAMPBELL ; René CHAPOT ; Michael TYMIANSKI ; Michael D. HILL ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):95-101
Background:
and Purpose In the ESCAPE-NA1 (Efficacy and Safety of Nerinetide for the Treatment of Acute Ischaemic Stroke) trial, treatment with nerinetide was associated with improved outcomes in patients who did not receive intravenous alteplase. We compared the effect of nerinetide on clinical outcomes in patients without concurrent intravenous alteplase treatment within different patient subgroups.
Methods:
ESCAPE-NA1 was a multicenter randomized trial in which acute stroke patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) >4 undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) were randomized to intravenous nerinetide or placebo. The primary outcome was independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) at 90 days. We assessed baseline, clinical, and imaging variables as predictors of outcome and for evidence of treatment effect modification. We constructed two multivariable models using variables known prior to randomization and variables known immediately post-EVT procedure to provide adjusted estimates of effect. We assessed for evidence of treatment effect modification using multiplicative interaction terms within each model.
Results:
Four hundred forty-six patients were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes were better in patients randomized to the nerinetide arm (mRS 0–2: 59.4% vs. 49.8%). There was possible treatment effect modification by ASPECTS score; patients with ASPECTS 8–10 showed a larger treatment effect compared to those with lower ASPECTS score. Younger age, lower NIHSS score, lower baseline serum glucose, absence of atrial fibrillation at baseline, higher ASPECTS score, middle cerebral artery (vs. internal carotid artery) occlusion, use of conscious or no sedation (vs. general anesthesia), and faster treatment were all predictors of favorable outcome.
Conclusion
Patients in the nerinetide arm who were not treated with concurrent alteplase showed improved clinical outcomes and the treatment effect was larger among patients with favorable ASPECTS profiles.
9.Regenerative Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction:A Survey on Current Global Practice Trends and GAF Expert Recommendations
Manaf Al HASHIMI ; Germar-M PINGGERA ; Taymour MOSTAFA ; Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Taha HAMODA ; Rupin SHAH ; Eric CHUNG ; Ahmed HARRAZ ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Omer RAHEEM ; Carlo GIULIONI ; Ponco BIROWO ; Luca BOERI ; Yassir JASSIM ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Ranjit VISHWAKARMA ; Bahadir SAHIN ; Widi ATMOKO ; Safar GAMIDOV ; Cesar ROJAS-CRUZ ; Darren KATZ ; Adriano FREGONESI ; Nazim GHERABI ; Armand ZINI ; Christopher Chee Kong HO ; Mohamed S. AL-MARHOON ; Marlon MARTINEZ ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Ayman RASHED ; Gian Maria BUSETTO ; Edmund KO ; Hyun Jun PARK ; Selahittin CAYAN ; Ramadan SALEH ; Osvaldo RAJMIL ; Dong Suk KIM ; Giovanni COLPI ; Ryan SMITH ; Maged RAGAB ; Ates KADIOGLU ; Quang NGUYEN ; Kadir BOCU ; Ahmed EL-SAKKA ; Charalampos THOMAS ; Hussain M ALNAJJAR ; Hiva ALIPOUR ; Ashok AGARWAL
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):359-375
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines.
Materials and Methods:
A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method.
Results:
Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support.
Conclusions
This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.
10.Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of NonObstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Amarnath RAMBHATLA ; Rupin SHAH ; Imad ZIOUZIOU ; Priyank KOTHARI ; Gianmaria SALVIO ; Murat GUL ; Taha HAMODA ; Parviz KAVOUSSI ; Widi ATMOKO ; Tuncay TOPRAK ; Ponco BIROWO ; Edmund KO ; Mohamed ARAFA ; Ramy Abou GHAYDA ; Vilvapathy Senguttuvan KARTHIKEYAN ; Giorgio Ivan RUSSO ; Germar-Michael PINGGERA ; Eric CHUNG ; Ashok AGARWAL ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):92-122
Purpose:
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.
Materials and Methods:
A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.
Results:
Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12–19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20–40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.
Conclusions
This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

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