De Sanctis V, Soliman AT, Daar S, Di Maio S, Yassin MA, Canatan D, Vives Corrons JL, Elsedfy H, Kattamis A, Kattamis C. The experience of a tertiary unit on the clinical phenotype and management of hypogonadism in female adolescents and young adults with transfusion dependent thalassemia.
ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2019;
90:158-167. [PMID:
30889170 PMCID:
PMC6502154 DOI:
10.23750/abm.v90i1.8143]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is associated with several complications necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Hypogonadism in female TDT patients is one of the most common endocrine complications, requiring hormone replacement therapy (HRT) throughout reproductive life. Little is known about the balance of benefits versus risks of treatment with sex steroids.
AIM
The aim of this manuscript is to review the action and the associated adverse effects of HRT in hypogonadal TDT females.
DESIGN
Retrospective medical database records from a single centre, over a period of 38 years (January 1980 to June 2018), were reviewed.
STUDY POPULATION
Forty-two cases of hypogonadism in TDT females followed in a pediatric and adolescent outpatient clinics, were in included in the study.
METHODS
Auxological, clinical, laboratory, hormonal and imaging investigations were reviewed, as well as all adverse events registered during HRT.
MAIN RESULTS
In general, HRT was safe for most patients. There were few minor side effects and a couple of rare but serious adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
The study provides a representative clinical profile of long-term effects of HRT in hypogonadal adolescents and young adult TDT women. Our results highlight also the need for further research in other areas for which HRT may have a role. We hope this will contribute to a wider understanding, and potential improvement, of patient safety and quality of life.
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