Role of interferon-alpha-2B in prevention of testicular atrophy with unilateral mumps orchitis

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of intravenously administered interferon-alpha-2B for the prevention of testicular atrophy in postpubertal men with mumps orchitis.

Methods: Eighteen patients with mumps orchitis were evaluated. The patients were hospitalized, and 3 x 1,000,000 IU intravenous interferon-alpha-2B was administered daily for a total of 7 days. All patients were evaluated by testicular biopsy on the 12th month after interferon treatment.

Results: Biopsy results demonstrated total atrophy of the seminiferous tubules in seven (38.8%), 10% atrophy in three (16.6%), and no apparent histopathologic alterations except an arrest in spermatogenesis in eight (44.6%) testes.

Conclusions: Systematic treatment with interferon-alpha-2B does not seem completely effective in preventing testicular atrophy after mumps orchitis. Further investigations involving larger populations are needed.