Issues inherent to the management of disorders of sex development in point G Hospital

Abnormal sexual development causes unconformity between gender identity and gender role. In countries with low socio-economic level, the optimal management is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, the genital anatomy appearance, the diagnostic and the surgical management of disorders of sex development (DSD) discovered during the adolescence. Between January 2005 and November 2006 (23 months), five patients with abnormal sexual development were identified in Point G Hospital. First-line testing included biology measurement and imaging. A surgical management was systematically offered. Median age was 19.5 ± 11.8 years (6-31). All patients were initially assigned male. Sexual dimorphic with genital ambiguity was the first reason of consultation (three children to five). One patient had male breast development and one had pelvic pain. All clinical evaluation suggested genital ambiguity. The diagnostic was female pseudohermaphrodism in three cases, true hermaphrodism in one case and hypogonadism for one patient. A masculinizing genital surgery was performed in three cases. The other patients refused the treatment or were out of sight. Intersex disorders are relatively rare in Mali with a prevalence of 2.30‰ in our hospital. This study highlighted the lack of financial means and local resources for optimal clinical management of individuals with DSD. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS.