Intranasal LH-RH for cryptorchidism: response to initial treatment and to treatment after relapse.

Fifty-three prepubertal boys with unilateral (n = 38) or bilateral (n = 15) cryptorchidism were treated for 4 weeks with synthetic LH-RH (Cryptocur, Hoechst) 1.2 mg daily, divided into 3 X 400 micrograms and administered intranasally. Complete descent was observed in 54% of testes--37% in the boys with unilateral cryptorchidism and 77% in the boys with bilateral cryptorchidism. Follow-up examination 6 months after therapy showed relapse in 30%, and a second therapeutic trial with intranasal LH-RH was effective in all these cases. Treatment of cryptorchidism with intranasal synthetic LH-RH, 3 X 400 micrograms/day, seems to be very effective, painless and without major side effects. However, follow-up is mandatory.