RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Role of the Environment and Endocrine Disruptors in Child Cryptorchidism

This study is investigating a common birth condition in boys called cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles haven't moved into their normal position. This condition sometimes needs surgery and can be linked to other health concerns in the future. We've noticed that this condition is becoming more common in some areas, which suggests that environmental factors, not just genetics, might be playing a part. Researchers are particularly interested in a group of chemicals called 'endocrine disruptors' which are found in our surroundings. Studies in animals have hinted that these chemicals might affect how a baby boy's testicles develop. The main goal of this study is to find out if being exposed to these environmental chemicals might be connected to cryptorchidism in children.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

1,452

Start

16 Apr 2020

Estimated completion

15 Apr 2028

Cryptorchidism

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a common health issue that affects baby boys called cryptorchidism. This is when one or both of a boy's testicles (which are also known as testes or 'gonads') don't drop down into their proper place in the scrotum before or shortly after birth. Sometimes, surgery is needed to correct this in childhood. We know that this condition can sometimes increase the risk of fertility problems later in life and, less commonly, a slightly higher risk of certain cancers.

Doctors and researchers are very interested in understanding why cryptorchidism happens, especially because its frequency seems to be increasing in some parts of the world. This increase is happening faster than we would expect if only genetic reasons were involved. It also sometimes appears in specific geographical areas, which makes us think that environmental factors might have a role.

We already know that a mix of different things can cause cryptorchidism, including a child's genes and their hormones. However, animal studies have suggested that certain chemicals in our environment, called 'endocrine disruptors', could affect how a baby's testicles develop and move before birth. These chemicals can interfere with the body's hormone system. This study aims to explore if being exposed to these environmental chemicals might be linked to cryptorchidism in boys.

Key takeaways

The study explores links between environmental chemicals and cryptorchidism in boys.
Cryptorchidism is when a boy's testicles don't drop down properly.
Research suggests environmental factors, not just genes, might be involved.
Participation involves sharing information about parents' environmental exposure.
The study aims to improve understanding and potentially prevent this condition.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for parents of boys who have cryptorchidism. Your son can be any age from when he was a newborn up to 18 years old, and he would have or be scheduled for surgery for cryptorchidism.

However, your child wouldn't be able to join the study if they have certain other health conditions. This includes conditions that affect hormones, like problems with their adrenal glands or thyroid, or if they have diabetes. They also can't have other birth defects that affect their private parts or urinary system, such as hypospadias (where the opening of the penis is in the wrong place) or kidney problems.

Also, boys with certain other specific testicular conditions or problems with their abdominal wall (like specific types of hernias) or those who have cryptorchidism as part of a wider set of birth defects would not be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a parent of a boy with cryptorchidism?
Is your son between 1 month and 18 years old?
Does your son NOT have other major hormone-related health conditions?
Does your son NOT have other significant birth defects of his private parts or urinary system?
Is your son's cryptorchidism NOT part of a wider set of birth abnormalities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any medical procedures, medication, or follow-up appointments for you or your child. Instead, it involves measuring the exposure of the parents to certain environmental chemicals. This will likely involve answering questions about your lifestyle and environment, and possibly providing samples for testing of these chemicals. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be explained when you are considered for participation.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to our understanding of cryptorchidism and its potential environmental causes. This could help prevent the condition in the future and improve health outcomes for boys. There are no anticipated physical risks associated with participating, as it primarily involves providing information and samples. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your or your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

University hospital of Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is cryptorchidism?

It's a common condition in baby boys where one or both testicles haven't moved down into the scrotum properly.

What are endocrine disruptors?

These are chemicals found in our environment that can interfere with our body's natural hormone system.

Why is this study important?

It aims to understand if environmental chemicals might be linked to cryptorchidism, which could help prevent it in future.

Does my child have to have surgery to join?

The study focuses on parents of boys who have cryptorchidism and are either having or have had surgery for it.

Will my child receive any treatment in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning it's looking for links between parents' exposure and their child's condition, not testing new treatments.

How to find out more

Nicolas KALFA, MD

n-kalfa@chu-montpellier.fr 00334 67 33 87 84 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.