Prevalence of hypospadias in Italy according to severity, gestational age and birthweight: an epidemiological study

Background: Hypospadias is a congenital displacement of the urethral meatus in male newborns, being either an isolated defect at birth or a sign of sexual development disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of hypospadias in different Districts of Italy, in order to make a comparison with other countries all over the world. Methods: We reviewed all the newborns file records (years 2001-2004) in 15 Italian Hospitals. Results: We found an overall hypospadias prevalence rate of 3.066 +/- 0.99 per 1000 live births (82.48% mild hypospadias, 17.52% moderate-severe). In newborns Small for Gestational Age (birthweight 0.1). Conclusion: In our sample the prevalence of hypospadias results as high as reported in previous European and American studies (3-4 per 1000 live births). Pathogenesis of isolated hypospadias is multifactorial (genetic, endocrine and environmental factors): however, the prevalence rate of hypospadias is higher in infants born small for gestational age than in newborns with normal birth weight