Testicular Growth During Puberty in Boys With and Without a Left-sided Varicocele

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Prospective observational study. A varicocele is defined as a dilatation of the veins in the plexus pampiniformis in the testicles. Varicoceles are a diagnostic dilemma and a therapeutic challenge. Most of the boys with a varicocele don't show any symptoms, but approximately 15-20% experience some sort of infertility later during their life. There still isn't any consensus on when treating the patient is the right choice. Reliable scientific research about parameters able to predict the later stages of the boy with a varicocele is therefore needed. The purpose of this study is to how testicular growth could predict the outcome of boys with a varicocele. During this study, testicular growth in boys with and without a left-sided varicocele will be examined in different schools using ultrasound to measure the testicular volumes, the PRF and the TAI to be able to collect sufficient data with the purpose to be able to predict whether testicular growth is a significant predictor on the progression of a varicocele.

Official Title
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Testicular Growth During Puberty in Boys With and Without a Left-sided Varicocele

Conditions
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Varicocele, Scrotal Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 1. Boys aged 11-16 years without any evidence of a current or past pathology influencing testicular growth Exclusion Criteria: Boys with a current or past inguinoscrotal pathology (varicocele, testicular microlithiasis, cryptorchidism, retractile testis, orchidectomy, testicular torsion, orchitis or epididymitis, hypospadias, inguinal hernia, oeprated varicocele, hydrocele and epididymal cysts) Boys with evidence of disorders influencing testicular growth (e.g. growth disorders) Boys with missing or incomplete data on Tanner stages for genital development Boys with a psychiatric disorder

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 11 Years
Maximum Age: 20 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Boys without varicocele<br>Boys thoroughly examined but without diagnose of varicocele | Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound<br>* We use ultrasound to measure the PRF and the testicular volumes.<br>|
| Boys with a varicocoele<br>Boys with a diagnosed varicocele of any stage possible. | Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound<br>* We use ultrasound to measure the PRF and the testicular volumes.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in testicular volumes in adolescents boys | Scrotal ultrasound is performed to assess testicular dimensions after which testicular volume is calculated. Multiple measurements are performed over a time period of 3 years. | 3 years | 
| Chang in haemodynamic parameters in adolescent boys with a varicocele | Scrotal doppler ultrasound is performed and the peak retrograde flow is determined. Multiple measurements are performed over a time period of 3 years. | 3 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Semen analysis in varicoele patients | Routine standard semen analysis as well as DNA fragmentation testing. | After liquefaction (30-35 minutes after ejaculation) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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varicocele, testicular growth