Abstract
Low serum testosterone (ST) concentration is associated with a worse general health condition. It is observed in some chronic diseases.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of decreased ST concentration in male (M) COPD patients and its influence on their condition.
The study group consisted of 90 M patients aged 67.2 ±8.8 years, in all stage of severity airflow limitation (GOLD 1 n=10, GOLD 2 n=39, GOLD 3 n=24 and GOLD 4 n=15). ST concentration was evaluated by ELISA metods. Decreased ST level was defined as a value of less than 3 ng/mL.
Results ST concentration didn't differ in patients with different stages severity of airflow limitation (GOLD 1: 3.8±0.7 ng/mL, GOLD 2: 3.6±2.1 ng/mL, GOLD 3: 3.4± 1.2 ng/mL, GOLD 4: 3.7±1.7 ng/mL). Decreased ST was found in 30 patients - group A (33.3%). There were no differences in age. The important differences between studied groups are presentest in table 1
The following correlations between ST and the investigated variables were found
| Testosterone | Variable | r | p |
| SpO2 at rest (%) | 0.25 | 0.02 | |
| 6MWD | 0.32 | 0.03 | |
| post SABA FEV1 (%pred) | 0.23 | 0.02 | |
| post SABA FEV1 (L) | 0.28 | 0.005 | |
| post SABA FVC (L) | 0.23 | 0.02 | |
| BMI kg/m2 | -0.25 | 0.01 | |
| Ht (%) | 0.29 | 0.01 | |
| Hb (g/dL) | 0.24 | 0.03 | |
Conclusion: Hypogonadism may occur in as much as 30% of male COPD patients. The correlation between ST and negative COPD prognostic factors may suggest its influence on the natural history of the disease.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
