Gonadal function in children with nephrosis treated with cyclophosphamide.

Conadal function was evaluated in 23 boys and 11 girls treated with cyclophosphamide, 2 to 5 mg/kg/day for periods of 1.5 to 6 months. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. All 16 boys treated when prepubertal or during early puberty had normal, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. Testicular biopsy was performed in five of the 16, and was abnormal in four and normal in one. Sperm count was normal in two other patients. The remaining seven boys were treated when pubertal; all have decreased spermatogenesis, and five of them have increased FSH levELS. The LH and testosterone levels were normal. No evidence of gonadal dysfunction was detected in any of the girls. Of four patients treated when postpubertal, three have become pregnant.