SERUM INHIBIN B AS A DIAGNOSTIC MARKER OF MALE INFERTILITY
Abstract
Background: Infertility affects about 15% of all couples in the world. Approximately 40% of allinfertility cases could be attributed entirely to male factors. Serum inhibin B has emerged as a sensitive
marker of male fertility. Analysis of serum inhibin B reflects the relationship between inhibin B, Sertoli
cell function and spermatogenesis. Methods: This validation study was conducted to calculate the
sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of serum inhibin B in diagnosis of male
infertility, using semen analysis as the gold standard. One hundred and sixty men were included in the
study, they reported for semen analysis for evaluation of male infertility. Sperm count was done per
standard procedure. Serum inhibin B level was determined by ELISA. Results: Serum inhibin B level
80 Ïg/ml was regarded as a normal response. The serum inhibin B test had 75% sensitivity, 93.1%
specificity, 80.5% PPV and 90.7% NPV. Conclusion: Serum inhibin B has a positive correlation with
sperm counts and could be used for evaluation of male infertility as a non-invasive predictor of
spermatogenesis. The sensitivity, specificity and PPV are appropriate for clinical decision making and
to avoid unnecessary testicular biopsies.
Keywords: Inhibin B, male infertility, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values
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