Efficacy of GnRH Pulses in Hypogonadism Secondary to Primary Empty Sella: Case Report

• Published in: Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
• Main Authors: Ran, Chenxi, Peng, Guiliang, Shen, Rufei, Liao, Qian, Liao, Mingyu, Wang, Qixian, Zhou, Ling, Zheng, Hongting, Long, Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 03.07.2024
• Subjects: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; Gonadotropin-releasing hormone pump; Pulse treatment; Sperm; Empty sella
• ISSN: 1933-7191; 1933-7205; 1933-7205
• DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01637-1

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pulsed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) micropump replacement therapy in the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) caused by primary empty sella (PES).The efficacy of pulsed GnRH replacement therapy using the micropump was evaluated in a middle-aged male patient with HH who had experienced the loss of his only child. Relevant literature was also consulted to compare the differences between pulse GnRH treatment and conventional treatment in terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, sex hormone levels, sperm production rate, and sperm activity rate in male patient with HH.In this report, a 45-year-old male diagnosed with HH and PES presented with fatigue and decreased libido. The main characteristics included decreased follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of 0.03 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of 0.02 mIU/mL, and testosterone (T) levels of 0.72 nmol/L. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an empty sella. Semen analysis showed a small number of normal sperm with reduced motility. During treatment with the micropump pulse GnRH, the patient experienced no side effects and showed improvements in fatigue, reduced libido, sexual urge, anxiety, and feelings of inferiority. LH, FSH, and T levels returned to normal, while sperm activity rate increased to 79.9%. Ultimately, the patient's spouse achieved a natural pregnancy.Pulsed gonadotropin delivery using the micropump demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability, and aligns more closely with the physiological rhythm of GnRH secretion in the human body.