According to a recent study, ambiguous genitalia in newborns may be more common than previously thought, the Endocrine Society reports.
“Our research found 18 babies with ambiguous genitalia among 14,177 newborns (1.3 in 1,000 births). This frequency is higher when compared to previous studies (1 in 4,500-5,500),”
“These findings support the hypothesis that early placental dysfunction and androgen deficiency might be important in the etiology of male genital anomalies,”
said the study’s first author, Banu Kucukemre Aydin, M.D., of Istanbul University in Turkey. Image credit Intersex Human Rights Australia.
2019 Study Abstract
Context
Limited data are available on the exact incidence of disorders of sex development (DSD) with genital ambiguity at birth.
Objective
To determine frequency of ambiguous genitalia in newborns.
Design
Prospective multicenter study.
Setting
Three tertiary care hospitals.
Patients or Other Participants
All 14,177 babies born during the study period were included.
Main Outcome Measures
All newborns were examined at birth; data on weeks of gestation, birth weight, and length were collected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Quigley and Prader scales were used for phenotypic grading. Clinical and genetic investigations were performed.
Results
Eighteen babies with ambiguous genitalia were found among 14,177 newborns (1.3/1000). Fifteen newborns had 46,XY DSD, one had 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and one had 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Karyotype analysis was not done in one baby who died in the neonatal period. The ratio of prematurity was higher in the DSD group (44% vs 11%; P < 0.001) and the ratio of small for gestational age was also higher in the DSD group (22% vs 5%; P = 0.007). Eight babies with DSD had mothers who had additional medical conditions, such as preeclampsia, depression, insulin resistance, and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
The frequency of ambiguous genitalia was higher than in previous studies, but, as with any experiment, the finding should be met with caution because this study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals. In addition, lower birth weight in the DSD group supports the hypothesis that early placental dysfunction might be important in the etiology of male genital anomalies.
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