Further Outpatient Care

Monitor infants with isolated micropenis for subsequent growth and development problems. If any problems arise, evaluate and treat appropriately.

Many children with micropenis, especially those with gonadotropin deficiency, do not have spontaneous or complete puberty. In these cases, testosterone is used to initiate puberty, with the dosage gradually increased to an adult replacement dose in a manner that mimics natural puberty.

In those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism who desire fertility, hCG and recombinant FSH can be given to promote testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis at the appropriate time by a specialist in reproductive medicine.

Appropriate counseling should be provided.

Further Inpatient Care

In the newborn nursery, any infant with microphallus should be closely monitored for hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia should prompt evaluation for other pituitary hormone deficiencies.

Prognosis

The prognosis of boys with micropenis secondary to gonadotropin or testosterone deficiency is usually good. These individuals generally respond well to testosterone therapy and function normally as adults. However, despite the potential for near-normal adult phallic size and sensitivity, infertility is generally expected.^{[3, 17]}

Prognosis is much more guarded in children with androgen insensitivity, especially with significant genital ambiguity.

Mortality/morbidity

When micropenis is associated with hypopituitarism and hypoadrenalism, the infant can develop hypoglycemia, electrolyte abnormalities, hypotension, and shock. Infants with midline defects and those with optic nerve hypoplasia or aplasia deserve particular attention because these defects can be associated with pituitary hormone deficiencies. Failure to recognize this association in an ill neonate can result in death. Infants who survive the newborn period may exhibit varying degrees of poor growth and failure to thrive, depending on potential associated hormone deficiencies or genetic syndrome.

Psychosocial concerns can arise over issues such as gender identity, normal standing urination, physical appearance, and sexual performance. These concerns should be addressed with early evaluation, treatment and counseling, if appropriate.

In cases of extreme micropenis, especially if associated with other genital anomalies (eg, cryptorchidism, hypospadias), gender reassignment is sometimes considered. However, the family should be intimately involved in this decision, and counseling from a center with a multidisciplinary team skilled at gender reassignment should be pursued.

Patient Education

Provide parents with a clear picture of the cause of their child's problems, including expectations from treatment. In situations in which gender assignment is being contemplated, the parents should play a key role in the decision process.

Questions

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Author

Karen S Vogt, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist and Program Director, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Karen S Vogt, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Michael J Bourgeois, MD Director of Pediatric Undergraduate Medical Education, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Texas Tech University School of Medicine

Michael J Bourgeois, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, FRCP(London) Professor and Chair, First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece; UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, University of Athens, Greece

George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, FRCP(London) is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Clinical Investigation, Association of American Physicians, Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society, Society for Pediatric Research, American College of Endocrinology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sasigarn A Bowden, MD, FAAP Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine; Pediatric Endocrinologist, Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Affiliate Faculty/Principal Investigator, Center for Clinical Translational Research, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Sasigarn A Bowden, MD, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Central Ohio Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, Pediatric Endocrine Society, Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD Adjunct Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology

Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Epidemiology, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society, Society for Pediatric Research, Florida Chapter of The American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Pediatric Society, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.