Exploring the Efficacy of Testosterone Undecanoate in Male Children with 5α-Reductase Deficiency

The study conducted from March 2009 to February 2020 involved 90 male children diagnosed with 5α-reductase deficiency (5α-RD) and aimed to examine the therapeutic efficacy of oral testosterone undecanoate in treating micropenis. The treatment regimen was 2–3 mg/(kg·d) in two or three doses via oral administration for 3 to 9 months. The results showed that the treatment was effective and safe, with no harmful effects reported. After the first course of treatment, 70% of patients reached the minimum criterion for surgery (penile length (PL) ≥ 2.5 cm), and 54% reached the lower limit of normal (PL ≥ −2.5 SD). After the third course, all participants met these criteria. The study concluded that low-dose androgen can effectively increase penile length and diameter, stimulate the growth of penile blood vessels, and provide a better prognosis for surgery. No significant adverse reactions were observed, and follow-ups showed no abnormal increase in bone age.