Testosterone replacement therapy and vascular thromboembolic events: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT) <12 nmol l -1 , we performed a meta-analysis following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome model. Population: men with TT <12 nmol l -1 or clear mention of hypogonadism in the inclusion criteria of patients; intervention: TRT; comparison: placebo or no therapy; outcomes: arterial thrombotic events (stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], upper limbs, and lower limbs), VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], portal vein thrombosis, splenic thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), and mortality. A total of 2423 abstracts were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-four studies, including 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were finally included, with a total of 4027 and 310 288 hypotestosteronemic male patients, from RCTs and from observational studies, respectively. Based on RCT-derived data, TRT did not influence the risk of arterial thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-3.43, P = 0.64), stroke (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.09-18.97, P = 0.83), MI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11-2.31, P = 0.39), VTE (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.22-9.03, P = 0.71), pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.27-7.04, P = 0.70), and mortality (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.20-2.38, P = 0.56). Meanwhile, when only observational studies are considered, a significant reduction in the risk of developing arterial thrombotic events, MI, venous thromboembolism, and mortality was observed. The risk for DVT remains uncertain, due to the paucity of RCT-based data. TRT in men with TT <12 nmol l -1 is safe from the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Further studies specifically assessing the risk of DVT in men on TRT are needed.

Factors associated with thrombotic disease in dogs with renal proteinuria: A retrospective of 150 cases

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of additional risk factors for thrombotic disease (TD) among dogs with renal proteinuria is limited; these might differ for TD affecting the systemic arterial (AT), systemic venous (VT), and pulmonary circulation (PT).

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To compare signalment and clinicopathological data between dogs with renal proteinuria with or without TD, and between dogs with AT, VT, and PT.

ANIMALS

One hundred fifty client-owned dogs with renal proteinuria, 50 of which had TD.

METHODS

Retrospective case-controlled study. A database search (2004-2021) identified proteinuric dogs (UPC > 2) with and without TD. Clinicopathological data were obtained from the records. TD and non-TD (NTD) groups were compared by binary logistic regression, and AT, VT, and PT groups by multinomial regression. Normal data presented as mean ± SD, non-normal data presented as median [25th, 75th percentiles].

RESULTS

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were overrepresented in the TD group (OR = 98.8, 95% CI 2.09-4671, P = .02). Compared to NTD cases, TD cases had higher concentration of neutrophils (11.06 [8.92, 16.58] × 109 /L vs 7.31 [5.63, 11.06] × 109 /L, P = .02), and lower concentration of eosinophils (0 [0, 0.21] × 109 /L vs 0.17 [0.04, 0.41] × 109 /L, P = .002) in blood, and lower serum albumin (2.45 ± 0.73 g/dL vs 2.83 ± 0.73 g/dL, P = .04). AT cases had higher serum albumin concentrations than VT cases (2.73 ± 0.48 g/dL vs 2.17 ± 0.49 g/dL, P = .03) and were older than PT cases (10.6 ± 2.6 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P = .008). VT cases were older (9.1 ± 4.2 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P = .008) and had higher serum cholesterol concentration (398 [309-692 mg/dL] vs 255 [155-402 mg/dL], P = .03) than PT cases.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Differences between thrombus locations could reflect differences in pathogenesis.

Venous thromboembolism-related genetic determinant F11 rs4253417 is a potential prognostic factor in ischaemic stroke

Ischaemic stroke (IS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are two forms of thromboembolism that, although distinct, seem to share numerous risk factors. Concerning genetic risk factors, while many VTE genetic markers have been reported, inclusively by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the identification and validation of genetic determinants underlying IS pathogenesis have been challenging. Considering that IS and VTE shared biological pathways and aetiological factors, the severity of IS might be also influenced by VTE-related genetic variants. Thus, the present study was designed to analyse the impact of six VTE GWAS-identified genetic variants on the clinical outcome of 363 acute IS patients. Results revealed that the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) F11 rs4253417 was an independent predictor of the 5-year risk of death among patients with total anterior circulation infarct (TACI). Namely, the ones carrying the SNP C allele presented a fourfold increase in the 5-year risk of death compared to TT genotype carriers (CC/CT vs. TT; adjusted HR, 4.240; 95% CI, 1.260-14.270; P = 0.020). This SNP is known to be associated with coagulation factor XI (FXI) levels, thus with implications in haemostasis and inflammation. As such, F11 rs4253417 might be a promising prognostic biomarker among TACI patients to aid in clinical decision-making. However, additional investigation is required to confirm the study's results and dissect the underlying mechanisms.

Renal Infarction From Over-the-Counter Testosterone Booster Pills: A Case Report

Renal infarction is a challenging diagnosis that usually requires a high level of clinical suspicion because its clinical presentation is often attributed to more frequent causes. Here, we present the case of a young male with right flank pain. A computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen ruled out nephrolithiasis; hence, a CT urogram was performed, which revealed an acute right kidney infarction. The patient had no personal or family history of clotting disorders. Subsequent tests for atrial fibrillation, an intracardiac shunt, and genetic causes were negative, and a presumptive diagnosis of a hypercoagulable state from over-the-counter testosterone supplements was made.

Testosterone treatment and the risk of osteonecrosis: a pharmacovigilance analysis in Vigibase

PURPOSE

Recent reports have raised concerns about a potential risk of osteonecrosis associated with testosterone treatment (TT). The aim of this pharmacovigilance study was to assess the risk of reporting osteonecrosis associated with the use of TT compared with use of any other medication.

METHODS

We performed a disproportionality analysis to investigate the risk of reporting osteonecrosis with TT using the WHO database VigiBase^®. We estimated the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of reporting osteonecrosis with use of TT vs all other drugs, and the adjusted ROR with use of TT vs use of drugs for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

RESULTS

Among men at least 18 years of age between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019, we identified 3479 reports of osteonecrosis, 84 of which were associated with TT use, out of a total of 4,667,754 adverse event reports. Reports of osteonecrosis in TT users occurred with both transdermal and injectable forms, and the mean age at report was 55.4 years. TT use was associated with a greater risk of reporting osteonecrosis compared to all other drugs (ROR, 5.13; 95% CI, 4.13-6.37) and compared with use of drugs for BPH (ROR, 3.00; 95% CI, 2.08-4.30). Half of the osteonecrosis reports associated with TT indicated concomitant use of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

TT was associated with a greater risk of reports of osteonecrosis compared to use of any other drug and use of drugs for BPH. This signal should be confirmed in complementary studies.

Moyamoya angiopathy in a case of Klinefelter syndrome

Moyamoya angiopathy, a rare cerebrovascular condition, can be primary (moyamoya disease) or secondary (moyamoya syndrome). Genetic factors, such as the ring finger protein 213 (RNF213), have been associated with moyamoya disease. However, X-linked moyamoya angiopathy/moyamoya syndrome and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism associated with moyamoya syndrome are rare. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with transient bilateral hemiparesis, recurrent seizures and cognitive decline. He previously had surgery for left-sided cryptorchidism and had been diagnosed with "epileptic attacks" or "functional movement disorders" in previous hospital admissions. Magnetic resonance angiography of the brain showed narrowing of supraclinoid portion of internal carotid arteries, as well as of middle and anterior cerebral arteries, and the presence of multiple collaterals. These findings were suggestive of moyamoya angiopathy. Laboratory investigations and karyotyping revealed a diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome. This case presents a unique association of moyamoya angiopathy and Klinefelter syndrome in a boy from a poor socio-economic background, where the diagnosis and adequate treatment were delayed due to a lack of awareness and expertise.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Patients with Hereditary Thrombophilia/Hypofibrinolysis-From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) usually has a clear etiology. Local infection or trauma, radiotherapy and drugs that disrupt the vascular supply or bone turnover in the jaws are its major contributors. The thrombotic occlusion of the bone’s venous outflow that occurs in individuals with hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis has a less known impact on jaw health and healing capability. Our research provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date and systematized information on the prevalence and significance of hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis states in ONJ. We found that hereditary prothrombotic abnormalities are common in patients with ONJ refractory to conventional medical and dental treatments. Thrombophilia traits usually coexist with hypofibrinolysis traits. We also found that frequently acquired prothrombotic abnormalities coexist with hereditary ones and enhance their negative effect on the bone. Therefore, we recommend a personalized therapeutic approach that addresses, in particular, the modifiable risk factors of ONJ. Patients will have clear benefits, as they will be relieved of persistent pain and repeated dental procedures.

Worse progression of COVID-19 in men: Is testosterone a key factor?

BACKGROUND

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to have a worse clinical course among infected men compared with women, thus highlighting concerns about gender predisposition to serious prognosis. Therefore, androgens, particularly testosterone (T), could be suspected as playing a critical role in driving this excess of risk. However, gonadal function in critically ill men is actually unknown, mainly because serum T concentration is not routinely measured in clinical practice, even more in this clinical context.

OBJECTIVE

To overview on possible mechanisms by which serum T levels could affect the progression of COVID-19 in men.

METHODS

Authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google, and institutional websites for medical subject headings terms and free text words referred to "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "testosterone," "male hypogonadism," "gender" "immune system," "obesity," "thrombosis" until May 19th 2020.

RESULTS

T, co-regulating the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 in host cells, may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 internalization. Instead, low serum T levels may predispose to endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis and defective immune response, leading to both impaired viral clearance and systemic inflammation. Obesity, one of the leading causes of severe prognosis in infected patients, is strictly associated with functional hypogonadism, and may consistently strengthen the aforementioned alterations, ultimately predisposing to serious respiratory and systemic consequences.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

T in comparison to estrogen may predispose men to a widespread COVID-19 infection. Low serum levels of T, which should be supposed to characterize the hormonal milieu in seriously ill individuals, may predispose men, especially elderly men, to poor prognosis or death. Further studies are needed to confirm these pathophysiological assumptions and to promptly identify adequate therapeutic strategies.

Androgen Therapy in Male Patients Suffering from Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of Benefits and Risks

BACKGROUND

The current estimated numbers of patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is believed to be close to 10% of the whole populations of many geographical regions, causing serious concerns over the resulting elevated morbidity and mortality as well as the impact on health care systems around the world. In addition to negatively affecting the quality of life, diabetes is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, indicating that appropriate drug therapy should not only deal with metabolic dysfunction but also protect the vascular system, kidney function and skeletal muscle mass from the effects of the epigenetic changes induced by hyperglycaemia.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an insight into the management of hypogonadism associated with T2D, this review focuses on clinical observations related to androgen therapy in qualified diabetic patients, and discusses the lines of evidence for its benefits and risks. The potential interactions of testosterone with medicines used by patients with T2D will also be discussed.

CONCLUSION

From recent clinical findings, it became evident that a considerable percentage of patients suffering from T2D manifested low serum testosterone and experienced diminished sexual activity, as well as reduced skeletal muscle mass and lower bone density. Although there are some controversies, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for this particular population of patients appears to be beneficial overall only if it is implemented carefully and monitored regularly.

Adverse health effects of androgen use

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance enhancing drugs commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve appearance and athletic capability. Unfortunately, these testosterone derivatives can be associated with serious and potentially irreversible side effects, and can impact multiple organ systems. It is important that physicians be familiar with these adverse consequences so that they can appropriately counsel patients whom they suspect of AAS-abuse. In this chapter, we will review the negative effects of these compounds on various organ systems in men using AAS.

Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism in a Transgender Adolescent

Venous thromboembolism can be precipitated by both genetic and acquired factors, but the role of testosterone therapy is less clear. Here, we present a 17-year-old transgender adolescent, transitioning from female to male, receiving both estrogen and testosterone therapy, who developed a pulmonary embolism without an underlying genetic thrombophilic condition. As transgender medical care evolves, the use of testosterone as cross-sex hormone therapy in adolescents is likely to increase. Our review suggests that care must be taken when initiating treatment with testosterone, and modification of other thrombophilic risks should be explored before starting therapy in this population.

Thromboembolism peaking 3 months after starting testosterone therapy: testosterone–thrombophilia interactions

We assessed time of thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism (VTE)) after starting testosterone therapy (TT) in 21 men who sustained 23 VTE. The density of thrombotic events was greatest at 3 months after starting TT, with a rapid decline in events by 10 months. The 21 cases with VTE on TT differed from 110 patient controls with unprovoked VTE, not taking TT (VTE-no TT) for Factor V Leiden heterozygosity (FVL) (33 per cent vs 13 per cent, P=0.037), for high lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) (55 per cent vs 17 per cent, P=0.012), and for the lupus anticoagulant (33 per cent vs 4 per cent, P=0.003). These differences between cases and VTE-no TT controls were independent of age and gender. TT can interact with underlying thrombophilia–hypofibrinolysis promoting VTE. We suggest that TT should not be started in subjects with known thrombophilia. Coagulation screening, particularly for the FVL , Lp(a), and the lupus anticoagulant should be considered before starting TT, to identify men at high VTE risk who have an adverse risk/benefit ratio for TT.

Four Thrombotic Events Over 5 Years, Two Pulmonary Emboli and Two Deep Venous Thrombosis, When Testosterone-HCG Therapy Was Continued Despite Concurrent Anticoagulation in a 55-Year-Old Man With Lupus Anticoagulant

BACKGROUND

When exogenous testosterone or treatments to elevate testosterone (human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] or Clomid) are prescribed for men who have antecedent thrombophilia, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism often occur and may recur despite adequate anticoagulation if testosterone therapy is continued.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old white male was referred to us because of 4 thrombotic events, 3 despite adequate anticoagulation over a 5-year period. We assessed interactions between thrombophilia, exogenous testosterone therapy, and recurrent thrombosis. In 2009, despite low-normal serum testosterone 334 ng/dL (lower normal limit [LNL] 300 ng/dL), he was given testosterone (TT) cypionate (50 mg/week) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG; 500 units/week) for presumed hypogonadism. Ten months later, with supranormal serum T (1385 ng/dL, upper normal limit [UNL] 827 ng/dL) and estradiol (E2) 45 pg/mL (UNL 41 pg/mL), he had a pulmonary embolus (PE) and was then anticoagulated for 2 years (enoxaparin, then warfarin). Four years later, on TT-HCG, he had his first deep venous thrombosis (DVT). TT was stopped and HCG continued; he was anticoagulated (enoxaparin, then warfarin, then apixaban, then fondaparinux). One year after his first DVT, on HCG, still on fondaparinux, he had a second DVT (5/315), was anticoagulated (enoxaparin + warfarin), with a Greenfield filter placed, but 8 days later had a second PE. Thrombophilia testing revealed the lupus anticoagulant. After stopping HCG, and maintained on warfarin, he has been free of further DVT-PE for 9 months.

CONCLUSION

When DVT-PE occur on TT or HCG, in the presence of thrombophilia, TT-HCG should be stopped, lest DVT-PE reoccur despite concurrent anticoagulation.

Drug-Induced Thrombophilic or Prothrombotic States: An Underestimated Clinical Problem That Involves Both Legal and Illegal Compounds

Vascular thrombosis, both arterial and venous, is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are multiple risk factors for thrombosis, both congenital and acquired, and in the majority of cases, these risk factors are not modifiable. Over the past 2 decades, multiple drugs (both illegal and legal) have been associated with increased risk of thrombosis. However, due to limited scientific literature regarding the prothrombotic tendencies of these drugs, there is a concomitant limited understanding of the pathophysiology of drug-induced thrombosis. As drugs are one of the few modifiable risk factors for thrombosis, further study and dissemination of knowledge regarding drug-associated and drug-induced thrombosis are essential and have the potential to lead to decreased future incidence of thrombosis. The mechanisms at the basis of the thrombophilic activity of these drugs are variable and sometimes still ill recognized. Increased levels of clotting factors, reduction in coagulation natural inhibitors, decreased fibrinolysis, activated clotting factors, increased blood viscosity, endothelial damage, and increased platelet number and activation are the most frequent causes. Arterial steal or coronary arteries no flow has also been implicated. In some cases due to the intake of several drugs, more than one mechanism is present in a given patient. The purpose of the present review is to analyze all the drugs demonstrated to be potentially thrombotic. It is hoped that a prudent use or nonuse of these drugs might result in a reduction of thrombosis-associated diseases.

Association Between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the Incidence of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Veterans Administration Database

BACKGROUND

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions have increased several-fold in the last decade. There have been concerns regarding a possible increased incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) with TRT. Few data support the association between TRT and DVT/PE. We evaluated the incidence of DVT and PE in men who were prescribed TRT for low serum total testosterone (sTT) levels.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted using data obtained from the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. We compared the incidence of DVT/PE between those who received TRT and subsequently had normal on-treatment sTT levels (Gp1), those who received TRT but continued to have low on-treatment sTT (Gp2), and those who did not receive TRT (Gp3). Those with prior history of DVT/PE, cancer, hypercoagulable state, and chronic anticoagulation were excluded.

RESULTS

The final cohort consisted of 71,407 subjects with low baseline sTT. Of these, 10,854 did not receive TRT (Gp3) and 60,553 received TRT. Of those who received TRT, 38,362 achieved normal sTT (Gp1) while 22,191 continued to have low sTT (Gp2). The incidence of DVT/PE was 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.4% in Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3, respectively. Univariate, multivariate, and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights analyses showed no statistically significant difference in DVT/PE-free survival between the various groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not detect a significant association between testosterone replacement therapy and risk of DVT/PE in adult men with low sTT who were at low to moderate baseline risk of DVT/PE.

Hospitalization for pulmonary embolism associated with antecedent testosterone or estrogen therapy in patients found to have familial and acquired thrombophilia

BACKGROUND

In patients hospitalized over a 4 year period for pulmonary embolism (PE), we assessed relationships of testosterone (TT) and estrogen therapy (ET) anteceding PE in patients found to have familial-acquired thrombophilia.

METHODS

From 2011 through 2014, 347 patients were hospitalized in Cincinnati Mercy Hospitals with PE. Retrospective chart review was used to identify patients receiving TT or ET before PE; coagulation studies were done prospectively if necessary.

RESULTS

Preceding hospitalization for PE, 8 of 154 men (5 %) used TT, and 24 of 193 women (12 %) used ET. The median number of months from the initiation of TT or ET to development of PE was 7 months in men and 18 months in women. Of the 6 men having coagulation measures, all had ≥ 1 thrombophilia, and of the 18 women having measures of coagulation, 16 had ≥ 1 thrombophilia. The sensitivity of a previous history of thrombosis to predict PE was low, 25 % (2/8 men), 4 % (1/24 women).

CONCLUSIONS

Of 154 men hospitalized for PE, 8 (5 %) used TT, and of 193 women, 24 (12 %) used ET. Our data suggests that PE is an important complication of TT in men and ET in women, in part reflecting an interaction between familial and acquired thrombophilia and exogenous hormone use.

Testosterone Therapy Can Interact With Thrombophilia, Leading to Osteonecrosis

Although this effect is not widely recognized, testosterone therapy can interact with thrombophilia, causing osteonecrosis. In 12 men and 4 women who had idiopathic osteonecrosis a median of 6 months after the onset of testosterone therapy, the authors examined the interaction between testosterone therapy and previously undiagnosed thrombophilia. The authors hypothesized that patients who had osteonecrosis after starting testosterone therapy were more likely than 110 normal control subjects or 48 patients who had osteonecrosis and were not receiving testosterone therapy to have thrombophilia. Measures of thrombophilia included Factor V Leiden, prothrombin, PAI-1 gene mutations, Factor VIII, Factor XI, anticardiolipin antibody immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M, and homocysteine values. In 10 cases, osteonecrosis occurred 6 months or less after the onset of testosterone therapy, and in all 16 cases, it occurred after a median of 6 months of testosterone therapy. Of the 16 cases, 5 (31%) were Factor V Leiden heterozygotes vs 2 of 109 (2%) healthy control subjects (P=.0003) and 4 of 48 patients who had osteonecrosis and were not receiving testosterone therapy (P=.04). Of the 16 cases, 4 (25%) had high (>150%) Factor VIII levels vs 7 of 103 (7%) healthy control subjects (P=.04), and 3 (19%) had high (>150%) Factor XI levels vs 3 of 101 (3%) healthy control subjects (P=.03). Of the 16 patients with osteonecrosis, 14 (88%) had at least 1 abnormal procoagulant value (of the 8 measured) vs 47 of 110 (43%) healthy control subjects (P=.0009). Of the 5 men whose serum estradiol level was measured while they were receiving testosterone therapy, this level was high (≥42.6 pg/mL) in 4. When testosterone therapy is given to patients with thrombophilia, they are at increased risk for osteonecrosis.

Thrombophilia in 67 Patients With Thrombotic Events After Starting Testosterone Therapy

We compared thrombophilia in 67 cases (59 men and 8 women) with thrombotic events after starting testosterone therapy (TT) versus 111 patient controls having unprovoked venous thrombotic events without TT. In the 67 patients, thrombosis (47 deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolism, 16 osteonecrosis, and 4 ocular thrombosis) occurred 6 months (median) after starting TT. Cases differed from controls for factor V Leiden heterozygosity (16 of the 67 [24%] vs 13 [12%] of the 111, P = .038) and for lupus anticoagulant (9 [14%] of the 64 vs 4 [4%] of the 106, P = .019). After a first thrombotic event and continuing TT, 11 cases had a second thrombotic event, despite adequate anticoagulation, 6 of whom, still anticoagulated, had a third thrombosis. Screening for thrombophilia before starting TT should identify men and women at high risk for thrombotic events with an adverse risk-benefit ratio for TT. When TT is given to patients with familial and acquired thrombophilia, thrombosis may occur and recur in thrombophilic men despite anticoagulation.

Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Medical Patients Receiving Chemoprophylaxis

Purpose:

To compare the incidence of 90-day venous thromboembolism (VTE) in obese critically ill medical patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis with nonobese patients of similar illness severity. We also identified other VTE risk factors.

Methods:

Eligible patients spent ≥24 hours in an intensive care unit between November 2007 and November 2013 and received VTE chemoprophylaxis within 48 hours of admission. The primary outcome was 90-day VTE.

Results:

A total of 11 111 patients were evaluated, of which 1732 obese and 1831 nonobese patients were enrolled with mean BMIs of 38.9 ± 9.2 kg/m2 and 24.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores of 28.4 ± 11.8 and 26.6 ± 11.7, respectively. The rate of 90-day VTE for the total cohort, obese, and nonobese patients was 6.5%, 7.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Obese patients were more likely to develop VTE compared with nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 -1.93). Other risk factors significantly associated with 90-day VTE included prior VTE (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.83-8.48), trauma with surgery in the previous 30 days (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.39-9.86), central venous catheters (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.87-3.72), surgery within 90 days (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.61-3.58), mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39-2.71), male sex (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.13-2.14), and increasing age using 1-year increments (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01 -1.03).

Conclusions:

The rate of VTE in critically ill medical patients remains high despite standard chemoprophylaxis. Obesity is among 8 risk factors independently associated with 90-day VTE.

Testosterone, thrombophilia, thrombosis

We screened previously undiagnosed thrombophilia (V Leiden-prothrombin mutations, Factors VIII and XI, homocysteine, and antiphospholipid antibody [APL] syndrome) in 15 men and 2 women with venous thromboembolism (VTE) or osteonecrosis 7 months (median) after starting testosterone therapy (TT), gel (30-50 mg/d), intramuscular (100-400 mg/wk), or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (6000 IU/wk). Thrombophilia was studied in 2 healthy control groups without thrombosis (97 normal controls, 31 subjects on TT) and in a third control group (n = 22) with VTE, not on TT. Of the 17 cases, 76% had ≥1 thrombophilia vs 19% of 97 normal controls (P < 0.0001), vs 29% of 31 TT controls (P = 0.002). Cases differed from normal controls by Factor V Leiden (12% vs 0%, P = 0.021), by high Factor VIII (>150%) (24% vs 7%, P = 0.058), by high homocysteine (29% vs 5%, P = 0.007), and from both normal and TT controls for APL syndrome (18% vs 2%, P = 0.023, vs 0%, P = 0.04). Despite adequate anticoagulation with TT continued after the first deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolus (DVT-PE), 1 man sustained 3 DVT-PEs 5, 8, and 11 months later and a second man had 2 DVT-PEs 1 and 2 months later. Of the 10 cases with serum T measured on TT, 6 (60%) had supranormal T (>800 ng/dL) and of 9 with estradiol measured on TT, 7 (78%) had supranormal levels (>42.6 pg/mL). TT interacts with thrombophilia leading to thrombosis. TT continuation in thrombophilic men is contraindicated because of recurrent thrombi despite anticoagulation. Screening for thrombophilia before starting TT should identify subjects at high risk for VTE with an adverse the risk to benefit ratio for TT.

Effects of three different testosterone formulations in female-to-male transsexual persons

INTRODUCTION

Gender dysphoria is characterized by a strong discomfort with the gender assigned at birth and the urge to live as a member of the opposite gender. The acquisition of phenotypic features of the desired gender requires the use of cross-sex hormones. Female-to-male (FtM) transsexual persons are treated with testosterone to induce virilization.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of three different testosterone formulations on body weight and composition and metabolic and bone parameters.

METHODS

Forty-five FtM transsexuals were randomly assigned to receive testoviron depot (i.m.: 100 mg/10 days; n = 15), testosterone gel (50 mg/die; n = 15), and testosterone undecanoate (i.m.: 1,000 mg every 6 weeks for the first 6 weeks and then every 12 weeks, n = 15). FtM individuals were studied before, at week 30, and at week 54 of testosterone treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anthropometric, metabolic, bone, hematological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Lean body mass significantly increased and fat mass decreased in all groups. No modifications were reported in fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity index. High-density plasma lipoprotein levels declined significantly and low-density lipoprotein concentrations increased significantly in the three groups. The activated partial thromboplastin time and factor I did not change while prothrombin time significantly increased in all groups. At week 54, all subjects were amenorrheic and time to amenorrhea did not differ between the three groups. Current general life satisfaction was increased in all subjects after 1 year of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year testosterone administration in FtM transsexuals appears to be very safe with no differences among the testosterone formulations used. Our study is preliminary, and the detection of subtle or long-term differences in the effects of the three formulations may require further larger and longer term studies in this and other populations.

Testosterone therapy, thrombosis, thrombophilia, cardiovascular events

There are similar time intervals between starting testosterone therapy (TT) and development of thrombotic (~4.5 months) or cardiovascular (CVD) events (~3 months) which may, speculatively, reflect a shared pathophysiology. We have described thrombotic events 5 months (median) after starting TT in 38 men and 4 women, including 27 with deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolism, 12 with osteonecrosis, 1 with central retinal vein thrombosis, 1 with amaurosis fugax, and 1 with spinal cord infarction. In 8 men whose TT was continued, second thrombotic events occurred despite adequate anticoagulation with Coumadin in 8 men, 3 of whom had a third thrombotic event. Of these 42 cases, 40 had measures of thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis, and 39 were found to have previously undiagnosed thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis. Before beginning TT, especially in men with previous history of thrombotic events, we suggest that, at a minimum, measurements be made for the Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin mutations, Factors VIII and XI, and homocysteine, to identify men who should not receive TT. We need prospective data focused on whether there should be pre-TT screening based on history of previous venous thromboembolism or for all subjects for major gene thrombophilias. To better resolve questions about TT and all cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and thrombosis, a long term, prospective, randomized, blinded study following the example of the Women's Health Initiative is needed. While we wait for prospective placebo-controlled TT outcome data, TT should be restricted to men with well-defined androgen deficiency syndromes.