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1.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 44(12): 2785-2797, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33970435

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Organic conditions underlying secondary hypogonadism (SH) may be ascertained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary region that could not be systematically proposed to each patient. Based upon limited evidence, the Endocrine Society (ES) guidelines suggest total testosterone (T) < 5.2 nmol/L to identify patients eligible for MRI. The study aims to identify markers and their best threshold value predicting pathological MRI findings in men with SH. METHODS: A consecutive series of 609 men seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction and with SH (total T < 10.5 nmol/L and LH ≤ 9.4 U/L) was retrospectively evaluated. An independent cohort of 50 men with SH was used as validation sample. 126 men in the exploratory sample and the whole validation sample underwent MRI. RESULTS: In the exploratory sample, patients with pathological MRI findings (n = 46) had significantly lower total T, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) than men with normal MRI (n = 80). Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis showed that total T, LH, FSH and PSA are accurate in identifying men with pathologic MRI (accuracy: 0.62-0.68, all p < 0.05). The Youden index was used to detect the value with the best performance, corresponding to total T 6.1 nmol/L, LH 1.9 U/L, FSH 4.2 U/L and PSA 0.58 ng/mL. In the validation cohort, only total T ≤ 6.1 nmol/L and LH ≤ 1.9 U/L were confirmed as significant predictors of pathologic MRI. CONCLUSION: In men with SH, total T ≤ 6.1 nmol/L or LH ≤ 1.9 U/L should arise the suspect of hypothalamus/pituitary structural abnormalities, deserving MRI evaluation.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism , Follicle Stimulating Hormone , Hypothalamus , Luteinizing Hormone , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pituitary Gland , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Testosterone , Eligibility Determination , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/complications , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/analysis , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Humans , Hypothalamus/abnormalities , Hypothalamus/diagnostic imaging , Italy/epidemiology , Luteinizing Hormone/analysis , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Pituitary Gland/abnormalities , Pituitary Gland/diagnostic imaging , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/diagnosis , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Testosterone/analysis , Testosterone/blood
2.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1628-1641, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32593233

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a syndrome characterized by clinical and biochemical evidence of low testosterone levels with advancing age. In recent years, several guidelines, position statements and other recommendations have become available. It is unclear whether similar indications are reported in these documents. OBJECTIVE: To review similarities and differences among available documents on the management of hypogonadism, with a special focus on LOH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Google and international societies websites were searched on March 2020 for documents published in the last 10 years on the management of hypogonadism and LOH. RESULTS: Nine documents were found, each developed by: (a) the American Urological Association; (b) the British Society for Sexual Medicine; (c) the Canadian Medical Association; (d) the Endocrine Society; (e) the Endocrine Society of Australia; (f) the European Academy of Andrology; (g) the European Association of Urology; (h) the International Consultation for Sexual Medicine; and (i) the International Society for the Study of Aging Male. DISCUSSION: Despite similar principles, differences were found both for the diagnostic workup and follow-up. Particularly, discrepancies were reported both for total and free testosterone levels for diagnosis and for total testosterone for monitoring. CONCLUSION: Available documents differ in terms of specific recommendations for the management of hypogonadism and LOH. Given the relevant clinical implications of adequate management of these disorders, future guidelines should report more consistent measures to be adopted in clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Endocrinology/standards , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy/standards , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Adult , Age of Onset , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Consensus , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/physiopathology , Evidence-Based Medicine/standards , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Humans , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Testosterone/adverse effects , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/deficiency , Treatment Outcome
3.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1705-1711, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32558292

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Adult patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) may present with testicular volume loss and a decrease in circulating testosterone (T) levels. However, the actual rate of hypogonadism in adult KS men is unknown. We aimed to (a) assess the prevalence of different forms of hypogonadism in a cohort of KS patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA); and (b) investigate potential preoperative predictor of positive sperm retrieval (SR) at surgery in the same cohort of men. METHODS: Complete data from 103 KS men with NOA who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) between 2008 and 2019 at five centers were analyzed. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients were categorized into four groups of hypogonadism as follows: eugonadism [normal total T (tT) (≥3.03 ng/mL) and normal luteinizing hormone (LH) (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], secondary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03 ng/mL) and low/normal LH (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], primary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03 ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)], and compensated hypogonadism [normal tT (≥3.03 ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)]. Descriptive statistics tested the association between clinical characteristics and laboratory values among the four groups. RESULTS: Median (IQR) patients age was 32 (24, 37) years. Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone and tT levels were 29.5 (19.9, 40.9) mUI/mL and 3.8 (2.5, 11.0) ng/mL, respectively. Eugonadism, primary hypogonadism, and compensated hypogonadism were found in 16 (15.6%), 34 (33.0%), and 53 (51.4%) men, respectively. No patients had secondary hypogonadism. Positive SR rate at TESE was 21.4% (22 patients); of 22, 15 (68.2%) patients underwent assisted reproductive technology and five (22.7%) ended in live birth children. Patients' age, BMI, CCI, FSH levels, and positive SR rates were comparable among hypogonadism groups. No preoperative parameters were associated with positive SR at logistic regressions analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this cross-sectional study showed that 15.6% of adult KS men have normal tT values at presentation in the real-life setting. Most KS patients presented with either compensated or primary hypogonadism. Sperm retrieval rates were not associated with different forms of hypogonadism.


Subject(s)
Azoospermia/therapy , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Klinefelter Syndrome/epidemiology , Sperm Retrieval , Adult , Azoospermia/diagnosis , Azoospermia/epidemiology , Azoospermia/physiopathology , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Fertility , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Klinefelter Syndrome/diagnosis , Male , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiology , Young Adult
4.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1539-1550, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32469467

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bone health is underdiagnosed and undermanaged in men. Bone loss occurs in men with hypogonadism and in aging men. Thus, patients with a diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) are at risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. OBJECTIVES: To provide an update on research data and clinical implications regarding bone health in men with LOH by reviewing literature articles on this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough search of listed publications in PubMed on bone health in older men with hypogonadism was performed, and other articles derived from these publications were further identified. RESULTS: Late-onset Hypogonadism may be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). In a pathophysiological perspective, the detrimental effects of testosterone (T) deficiency on BMD are partly ascribed to relative estrogen deficiency and both serum T and serum estradiol (E2) need to be above 200 ng/dL and 20 pg/mL to prevent bone loss. The effects of exogenous T on BMD are controversial, but most of the studies confirm that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases BMD and prevents further bone loss in men with hypogonadism. No data are available on TRT and the prevention of fractures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In men with documented LOH, a specific clinical workup should be addressed to the diagnosis of osteoporosis in order to program subsequent follow-up and consider specific bone active therapy. TRT should be started according to guidelines of male hypogonadism while keeping in mind that it may also have positive effects also on bone health in men with LOH.


Subject(s)
Bone Density , Eunuchism/metabolism , Osteoporosis/physiopathology , Osteoporotic Fractures/physiopathology , Testosterone/deficiency , Age of Onset , Animals , Biomarkers/blood , Bone Density/drug effects , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Humans , Male , Osteoporosis/diagnostic imaging , Osteoporosis/epidemiology , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , Osteoporotic Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Osteoporotic Fractures/epidemiology , Osteoporotic Fractures/prevention & control , Prognosis , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/therapeutic use
5.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1551-1566, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32068334

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is to improve symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, anaemia, loss of muscle and bone mass, by increasing serum testosterone levels to physiologic range. TRT has been used in the last 70 years, and overtime, numerous preparations and formulations have been developed to improve pharmacokinetics (PKs) and patient compliance. The routes of delivery approved for use in the Western world include buccal, nasal, subdermal, transdermal and intramuscular (IM). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this narrative review was to describe and compare all available and approved testosterone preparations according to pharmacology, PKs and adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have performed an extensive PubMed review of the literature on TRT in clinical practice. Contraindications and monitoring of TRT were analyzed by comparing available guidelines released in the last five years. We provide a review of advantages and disadvantages of different modalities of TRT and how to monitor treatment to minimize the risks. RESULTS: TRT is associated with multiple benefits highly relevant to the patient. However, the recommendations given in different guidelines on TRT are based on data from a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as non-randomized clinical studies and observational studies. This is the case for the safety of a long-term TRT in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). No evidence is provided indeed on the effects of TRT on endpoints such as deterioration of heart failure suggesting a cautious approach to T replacement in older men with a history of heart failure. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must consider the unique characteristics of each patient and make the necessary adjustments in the management of LOH in order to provide the safest and most beneficial results.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Testosterone/administration & dosage , Clinical Decision-Making , Dosage Forms , Drug Administration Routes , Drug Compounding , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Testosterone/adverse effects , Testosterone/deficiency , Testosterone/pharmacokinetics , Treatment Outcome
6.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1590-1597, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31696669

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Functional hypogonadism increases in prevalence due to aging as well as an overall increase of obesity. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) could be an alternative for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but have not yet been established as common clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a thorough search of the literature published between 2009 and 2018. Only RCTs published in English were included. We assessed the impact of AIs and SERMs on gonadal steroids, sexual function and semen parameters, body composition and glucose homeostasis, physical function, bone mineral density (BMD), anemia, as well as potential adverse effects. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs were included, with a total number of 645 patients. A total of 145 men were included in RCTs comparing AIs versus placebo or TRT and 476 men in RCTs with SERMs versus placebo or TRT. One RCT compared AIs versus SERMs in 24 men. Inclusion criteria were heterogenic. Most studies only included a small number of patients (range 11-256) and follow-up time was relatively short (6 weeks to 12 months). AIs as well as SERMs increased serum testosterone levels. Overall, there was no effect on sexual symptoms nor on semen parameters. Following aromatase inhibition, only minimal improvement of body composition and physical function was observed in some of the trials, but spinal BMD decreased. SERMs only induced a small improvement in body composition. The effect of SERMs on physical function and on BMD was not assessed. No major adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION: AIs are not recommended as treatment for functional hypogonadism because of insufficient efficacy as well as a decrease in BMD. SERMs might be an alternative for TRT, but more research is needed to evaluate their effect on hypogonadal signs and symptoms, as well as on their long-term safety profile.


Subject(s)
Aromatase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/therapeutic use , Testosterone/deficiency , Aromatase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Biomarkers/blood , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/physiopathology , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Humans , Male , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/adverse effects , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome
7.
Andrology ; 8(6): 1506-1511, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31639279

ABSTRACT

The term Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) was coined in 2002 and defined as a disease entity in the ISA, ISSAM, EAU, EAA and ASA endorsed Recommendations for Investigation, Treatment and Monitoring of LOH (2005 and 2008) as 'a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age, characterized by symptoms and a deficiency in serum testosterone (T)'. LOH was classified as a combined primary and secondary hypogonadism since the endocrine capacity of the testes and the pituitary are impaired. Symptoms of LOH include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, anemia, osteoporosis, depressed mood, decreased vitality, sweating, and hot flushes. Since these symptoms may also have origins other than LOH, exclusion of other disease entities and subnormal serum T levels are considered prerequisites for the diagnosis and possible treatment of LOH. However, during following years these guidelines were often neglected and, especially in the USA, indiscriminate prescribing of T was widely practised so that the US FDA warned against such irresponsible behavior. In Europe, T prescribing remained largely restricted to LOH as defined above. Nevertheless, a discussion started whether LOH really exists or is only a consequence of age-related comorbidities. Numerous studies have helped to clarify the situation, in particular, the European Male Aging Study (EMAS) and the US-initiated 7 T trials. Consequently, the newest US Endocrine Society Practice Guideline on T treatment (2018) includes advanced age as a cause of organic hypogonadism and recommends that 'in men >65 years who have symptoms or conditions suggestive of T deficiency … and consistently and unequivocally low morning T concentrations we suggest that clinicians offer T therapy on an individualised basis after explicit discussion of the potential risks and benefits'. Thus, the concept of LOH as conceived two decades ago has weathered criticism and survived the times.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Age of Onset , Aged , Animals , Biomarkers/blood , Clinical Decision-Making , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Testosterone/adverse effects , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/deficiency , Treatment Outcome
9.
Metab Syndr Relat Disord ; 16(7): 315-320, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29873585

ABSTRACT

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of disease, including hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. NAFLD carries the risk of progression to cirrhosis with its associated complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is now the most common liver disease in the Western world and its prevalence is increasing. While the association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes has been well documented, there is significantly less understanding of the pathophysiology and progression of NAFLD in patients with other endocrine disorders affecting metabolism in various ways. Some of the more common endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism are known in clinical practice to be associated with NAFLD. Medications that alter the endocrine system such as tamoxifen and adrenal steroids have also been attributed to significant NAFLD. The key to management of NAFLD at this time are dietary changes and exercise to achieve weight loss. Unfortunately, a large proportion of the patients with these endocrine disorders are unable to achieve either. This review aims to examine and summarize the current published literature that have evaluated the association between NAFLD and the above endocrine disorders and potential therapeutic interventions in each case.


Subject(s)
Endocrine System Diseases/complications , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/etiology , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/complications , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/diagnosis , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/epidemiology , Diagnosis, Differential , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/diagnosis , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Endocrine System Diseases/diagnosis , Endocrine System Diseases/epidemiology , Eunuchism/complications , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Female , Growth Disorders/complications , Growth Disorders/diagnosis , Growth Disorders/epidemiology , Human Growth Hormone/deficiency , Humans , Hypothyroidism/complications , Hypothyroidism/diagnosis , Hypothyroidism/epidemiology , Male , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnosis , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/complications , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/diagnosis , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/epidemiology
10.
Nutrients ; 10(4)2018 Apr 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29649106

ABSTRACT

Male obesity secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) impairs fertility, sexual function, bone mineralization, fat metabolism, cognitive function, deteriorates muscle mass and alters body composition. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention and physical activity on the MOSH patient's hormonal profile after a 10% weight loss compared to baseline. Fourteen male patients were enrolled. Hormonal, lipid, glycemic profiles and body composition were determined at baseline and after a 10% weight loss. Aging Male Symptoms Scale (AMS) and Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) were administered to patients in order to investigate hypogonadal symptoms and food addiction. Compared to baseline, a significant increase of Total Testosterone (TT) (300.2 ± 79.5 ng/dL vs. 408.3 ± 125.9 ng/dL, p = 0.002, 95% CI 26.8; 167.7) and a reduction of 17-Beta Estradiol level (48.3 ± 14.9 pg/mL vs. 39.2 ± 15.2 pg/mL, p = 0.049, 95% CI 3.1; 0.0) were observed. Total Fat Mass (FM) percentage, android and gynoid fat mass percentage (39.2 ± 6.4% vs. 36.2 ± 5.8%, p = 0.0001, 95% CI 22.5; 62.3; 51.5 ± 6.8% vs. 47.6 ± 6.8%, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.6; 1.8, vs. 39.2 ± 6.2% vs. 36.5 ± 6.3% p = 0.0001, 95% CI 0.9; 2.0 respectively) were significantly decreased after nutritional intervention. In addition, total Fat Free Mass (FFM) in kg was significantly reduced after 10% weight loss (62.3 ± 2.8 kg vs. 60.3 ± 7.7 kg, p = 0.002, 95% CI 45.0; 93.0). Lifestyle changes, specifically dietotherapy and physical activity, induce positive effects on hypogonadism due to obesity.


Subject(s)
Caloric Restriction , Eunuchism/diet therapy , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Exercise Therapy/methods , Exercise , Obesity/diet therapy , Obesity/diagnosis , Adiposity , Adult , Biomarkers/blood , Estradiol/blood , Eunuchism/etiology , Eunuchism/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nutritional Status , Obesity/complications , Obesity/physiopathology , Pilot Projects , Risk Reduction Behavior , Rome , Syndrome , Testosterone/blood , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Weight Loss
11.
Eur Urol ; 72(2): 164-167, 2017 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28249799

ABSTRACT

Testosterone is a crucial sex hormone important for the health and development of men of all ages. It plays a role in the integrity and maintaining the function of several systems and organs. Testosterone deficiency is linked to a number of signs and symptoms potentially affecting every man in his complexity and masculinity, and is therefore of strong urological interest. For this reason, urologists should attach importance to the need for knowledge, vocational education, and training in this specific area.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Professional Role , Societies, Medical , Testosterone , Urologists , Urology , Humans , Male , Consensus , Drug Monitoring/standards , Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy , Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Hormone Replacement Therapy/standards , Libido/drug effects , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/epidemiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Societies, Medical/standards , Testosterone/adverse effects , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/deficiency , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , Urologists/standards , Urology/standards
13.
J Diabetes Res ; 2016: 5162167, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27006953

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Male hypogonadism is an endocrine disease characterized by low levels of serum testosterone and is closely related to the development of diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to observe the risk factors for hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 213 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled and divided into a low total testosterone (TT) group (=75) and a normal TT group (=138). The patients' blood glucose, blood lipids, serum insulin, and sex hormones were measured. The correlations between the patients' metabolic index and sex hormone levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the normal TT group, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin (FINS), and HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher, but the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly lower in the low TT group (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses found that TT was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference (WC), FINS, and HOMA-IR. TT was positively correlated with LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). CONCLUSIONS: Several risk factors of diabetes associated closely with hypogonadism. BMI, metabolic syndrome (MS), HOMA-IR, and LH are independent risk factors for hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Eunuchism/etiology , Adult , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Glucose/analysis , Body Mass Index , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Humans , Insulin/blood , Insulin Resistance , Lipids/blood , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/complications , Metabolic Syndrome/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Obesity/complications , Obesity/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/deficiency
14.
J Sex Med ; 12(9): 1886-94, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26272690

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Clinical practice guidelines recommend that testosterone (T) levels be measured on ≥2 occasions to confirm a diagnosis of hypogonadism, gonadotropins be measured to determine whether hypogonadism is primary or secondary, and T levels be measured to monitor the adequacy of T therapy. However, it is not known whether hormone testing as recommended by guidelines is routinely performed in real-world clinical practice. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the use of hormone testing for the diagnosis and evaluation of hypogonadism and monitoring of T therapy in clinical practice. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of the Truven Health Marketscan(®) Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Databases during 2010-2012, 63,534 men over 18 years old who received T therapy and had continuous medical benefit enrollment for 1 year prior to and 6 months after T therapy initiation were included in this analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of patients who received ≥2, 1, or no T-level determinations prior to or following T therapy initiation. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of hypogonadal men had T measured at least once and 40% had ≥ 2 tests, but only 12% of men had luteinizing hormone and/or follicle-stimulating hormone levels measured prior to T therapy initiation. Following T therapy initiation, 46% had ≥1 follow-up T measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate use of T and gonadotropin levels in clinical practice as recommended by guidelines is suboptimal, increasing the possibility of overdiagnosis of male hypogonadism, underdiagnosis of secondary hypogonadism, and inappropriate T therapy use and management. Further investigation is needed into reasons for nonadherence to guidelines for appropriate hormone testing to inform future quality improvement efforts.


Subject(s)
Androgens/therapeutic use , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Gonadotropins/blood , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Adult , Eunuchism/blood , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Retrospective Studies
15.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 104(11): 581-6, 2015 May 20.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26098155

ABSTRACT

We present the case of a 39-year-old man who reported to the primary care physician for low back pain. Pain persisted despite extensive assessment and therapy. During the course, bilateral femoral neck fractures occurred and due to multiple enrichments in scintigraphy chronic multifocal (sterile) osteomyelitis was suspected. In the further follow-up the appropriate diagnosis of osteomalacia was established in bone biopsy and adequate treatment with Vitamin D was initiated. During therapy, the patient was free of pain or discomfort.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism/diagnosis , Low Back Pain/etiology , Osteomalacia/diagnosis , Osteoporosis/diagnosis , Acetaminophen/therapeutic use , Adult , Biopsy , Bone and Bones/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Diagnostic Imaging , Eunuchism/pathology , Eunuchism/therapy , Humans , Low Back Pain/pathology , Low Back Pain/therapy , Male , Osteomalacia/pathology , Osteomalacia/therapy , Osteoporosis/pathology , Osteoporosis/therapy , Physical Therapy Modalities , Treatment Failure
16.
Asian J Androl ; 17(2): 324-8, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25532570

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have demonstrated that male hypogonadism is associated with a low level of vitamin D. However, no reports have investigated the effects of vitamin D on testosterone levels in Korean men. Our aim was to investigate whether testosterone levels are associated with serum vitamin D levels and whether seasonal variation exists. This cross-sectional study analyzed serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) in 652 Korean men over 40 years of age who had undergone a comprehensive medical examination. The average age of the subjects was 56.7 ± 7.9 years, and the mean serum 25(OH)D, TT and FT levels were 21.23 ± 7.9 ng ml-1 , 4.70 ± 1.6 ng ml-1 , and 8.12 ± 3.3 pg ml-1 , respectively. In the multiple linear regression model, 25(OH)D showed positive association with TT (ß =0.137, P< 0.001) and FT (ß =0.103, P= 0.008). 25(OH)D and FT showed similar seasonal or monthly variation after adjustment for age. A vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng ml-1 ] was associated with an increased risk of deficiencies of TT (<2.30 ng ml-1 ) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-5.78, P= 0.014) and FT (<6.50 pg ml-1 ) (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.01-2.06 P= 0.048) after adjusting for age, season, body mass index, body composition, chronic disease, smoking, and alcohol use. In conclusion, we demonstrated a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and testosterone, which showed similar seasonal variation in Korean men.


Subject(s)
Aging/blood , Eunuchism/blood , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Testosterone/deficiency , Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Linear Models , Male , Middle Aged , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Seasons , Sunlight , Testosterone/blood , Vitamin D/blood
17.
Asian J Androl ; 17(2): 177-86, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25532575

ABSTRACT

Testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) use has dramatically increased over the past decade, due to the availability of newer agents, aggressive marketing, and an increasing incidence of testosterone deficiency (TD). Despite the increase in TST, a degree of ambiguity remains as to the exact diagnostic criteria of TD, and administration and monitoring of TST. One explanation for this phenomenon is the complex role testosterone plays in multiple physiologic pathways. Numerous medical co-morbidities and medications can alter testosterone levels resulting in a wide range of nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms of TD. The diagnosis is also challenging due to the lack of a definitive serum total testosterone level that reliably correlates with symptoms. This observation is particularly true in the aging male and is exacerbated by inconsistencies between different laboratory assays. Several prominent medical societies have developed guideline statements to clarify the diagnosis, but they differ from each other and with expert opinion in several ways. Aside from diagnostic dilemmas, there are numerous subtle advantages and disadvantages of the various testosterone agents to appreciate. The available TST agents have changed significantly over the past decade similar to the trends in the diagnosis of TD. Therefore, as the usage of TST increases, clinicians will be challenged to maintain an up-to-date understanding of TD and TST. The purpose of this review is to provide a clear description of the current strategies for diagnosis and management of TD.


Subject(s)
Disease Management , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Testosterone/deficiency , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aging/metabolism , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Erectile Dysfunction/etiology , Eunuchism/complications , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Testosterone/blood
18.
Horm Res Paediatr ; 82(5): 338-43, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25247238

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The coexistence of triple A syndrome (AAAS) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) has so far not been reported in the literature. This study aimed to characterize at the clinical and genetic level one patient presenting an association of AAAS and CHH in order to identify causal mutations. METHODS: Clinical and endocrinal investigations were performed and followed by mutational screening of candidate genes. RESULTS: At the age of 18, the patient presented sexual infantilism, a micropenis and gynecomastia. No mutation was revealed in GnRHR, TACR3/TAC3, PROK2/PROKR2 and PROP1 genes, except a homozygous intronic variation (c.244 + 128C>T; dbSNP: rs350129) in the KISS1R gene, which is likely nondeleterious. A homozygous splice-donor site mutation (IVS14 + 1G>A) was found in the AAAS gene. This mutation, responsible for AAAS, is a founder mutation in North Africa. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on a Tunisian patient with the coexistence of AAAS and CHH. The diagnosis of CHH should be taken in consideration in patients with Allgrove syndrome and who carry the IVS14 + 1G>A mutation as this might challenge appropriate genetic counseling.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Insufficiency , Esophageal Achalasia , Eunuchism , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics , Point Mutation , RNA Splice Sites , Adolescent , Adrenal Insufficiency/diagnosis , Adrenal Insufficiency/genetics , Adrenal Insufficiency/pathology , Esophageal Achalasia/diagnosis , Esophageal Achalasia/genetics , Esophageal Achalasia/pathology , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Eunuchism/genetics , Eunuchism/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Tunisia
19.
Aging Male ; 17(4): 195-8, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25247629

ABSTRACT

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is typically defined as the cluster of symptoms appearing in aging men and accompanied by a decrease in serum testosterone levels. The identification of a simple screening tool with a high level of sensitivity and specificity to predict LOH has remained a challenge. To identify men with LOH, a variety of self-administered questionnaires have been developed including The Saint Louis University Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) Questionnaire, The Quantitative ADAM (qADAM) Questionnaire, The Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) rating scale, The Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) questionnaire and The New England Research Institutes (NERI) hypogonadism questionnaire. The applicability of these questionnaires in the clinical setting is debated because some of the symptoms associated with LOH could be attributed to the natural process of aging and comorbidities. The goal of this review is to compare the utility and the validity of the different LOH questionnaires.


Subject(s)
Eunuchism/diagnosis , Aging/physiology , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires , Testosterone/deficiency
20.
Aging Male ; 17(3): 147-54, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24739016

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: At present, calculated free testosterone assessment is considered as the gold standard in diagnosing male hypogonadism. However, this assessment is not available for all the individuals diagnosed with decreased testicular function. The investigators of this study were, thus, prompted to evaluate whether the androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM) and the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study (MMAS) questionnaires could be used to replace biochemical parameters in the diagnosis for hypogonadism in men aged 40 years and above. METHODS: We evaluated 460 men, aged 40 years and above, all volunteers of a screening program for prostate cancer based at the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre. In this study, we assessed the efficiency of the ADAM and MMAS questionnaires in diagnosing Brazilian men with low levels of total, calculated free and bioavailable testosterone. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the ADAM questionnaire in diagnosing the calculated free testosterone was 73.6%, whereas specificity was 31.9%. ADAM could be used to properly classify our cohort into normal or hypogonadal individuals in 52.75% of the cases. The sensitivity of the MMAS questionnaire was 59.9%, whereas the specificity was 42.9%, resulting in a successful classification of 51.4% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The ADAM and MMAS questionnaires showed adequate sensitivity in diagnosing male patients with low levels of free testosterone. However, because of the lack of specificity, these tools cannot replace calculated free testosterone assessments in men aged 40 years and above.


Subject(s)
Androgens/deficiency , Eunuchism/diagnosis , Testosterone/blood , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aging/physiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Eunuchism/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Sensitivity and Specificity , Surveys and Questionnaires
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