Yeo JK, Koo HS, Yu J, Park MG. Effects of Testosterone Treatment on Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.
Am J Mens Health 2021;
14:1557988320917258. [PMID:
32448046 PMCID:
PMC7249586 DOI:
10.1177/1557988320917258]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone deficiency (TD) is common and impairs quality of life (QoL) in
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are no studies about
whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can improve QoL in patients with
CKD. Therefore, we investigated the effect of TRT on the QoL of patients with
CKD and confirmed the safety of TRT. Twenty-five male patients with stages
III–IV CKD whose serum testosterone levels were <350 ng/dl (TD) were enrolled
and treated with testosterone gel for 3 months (group II). Age-matched controls
with stages III–IV CKD and TD (group I) were recommended to exercise for the
same period. Before and after the treatment, the BMI and handgrip strength were
checked, serological tests were performed, and questionnaires were administered
in both groups. Compared to baseline, there was no significant difference in
serum testosterone levels, scores of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey
(SF-36), Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS), and International Prostate Symptom
Score (IPSS), and grip strength in group I after 3 months. In group II, a
significant increase in testosterone, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) was
observed, and grip strength significantly increased after TRT. Significant
improvement in scores of SF-36, AMS, and IPSS was also confirmed after TRT in
group II. There was a significant difference in testosterone, Hb, Hct, grip
strength, and scores of SF-36, AMS, and IPSS between the two groups after 3
months. The patients in group II showed positive results and continued with TRT.
Therefore, we conclude that TRT safely improves the QoL and TD symptoms in
patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.
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