Abstract

The most important complication of mumps infection in adolescent males which can often lead to testicular atrophy is orchitis. We evaluated the efficiency of interferon a 2B in mumps orchitis. Seventeen patients with mumps orchitis treated with interferon a 2B (3 miliion units/day for 7 days) to prevent the testicular atrophy and pain. Mean follow up as 17.4 months (13-35 months). Scrotal pain and tenderness decreased within 48 hours in 12 patients and testicular swelling disappeared in all of the patients on the fifth day. Testicular atrophy developed in 3 patients. Interferon a 2B is effective in the treatment of mumps orchitis, because of decreased rate of atrophy and alleviation of symptoms in short period.